Dear Member,
Further to the email we sent a few weeks ago on NHS Hypertension Case Finding Service, we are now re-sending you some excellent offers on blood pressure monitors that you can now use with the service. Our recommended supplier for the monitors is Valley Solutions. In this email you will find information on:
- Background & setting up
- Cheap (monitors) or investment?
- Other Factors for consideration
- Clinical training
- Pricing
- Conclusion
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Background & Setting Up
Funding available for the service in 2021/22 for the NHS Hypertension Service:
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Set-up fee
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£440
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Clinic check (standard BP check)
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£15 per check
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Ambulatory monitoring check
Should be provided where a patient is identified as having high blood pressure (140/90mmHg or higher, but lower than 180/120mmHg)
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£45 per check
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Incentive fee – if you complete five ambulatory checks by March 2022
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£1000
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Click here to see the previous email we sent you on setting up this service.
As you are undoubtedly aware, HBPMs measure the blood pressure on a single occasion while ABPMs measure the blood pressure automatically over multiple occasions, generally for 24 hours. Other monitors can be sold to members of the public for private use but cannot be used in the NHS Service, and we have also listed some of these machines in the
attachment.
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Cheap or Investment?
ABPMs are expensive. It is a significant investment in your pharmacy to buy these machines and ensure they are correctly serviced and maintained. Therefore, cheaper alternatives may not necessarily work in your interest.
We recommend that you purchase your product from the higher ranges to ensure that you can futureproof your service and perhaps even use the machines for private services.
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Other Factors for Consideration
- Are maintenance and training included in the purchase price? – we have quoted what this will be in the documents attached for the machines we recommend
- If equipment is broken, does the supplier provide a spare whilst being repaired? – generally insurance costs will be covered by your pharmacy insurance, but you will need to check first
- The complexity of use – training will be provided by the manufacturer
- Do they automatically take 3 measurements and flag irregular pulse – generally we recommend higher end spec machines to futureproof your service, have a look at our recommendations
- The usability of any inclusive software to support set-up for the patient and interpretation of readings – again, full training will be provided
- Insurance to cover accidental damage to either type of meter and to cover the theft or failure of a patient to return ABPM – this is something for you to consider and contact your insurers about
All these are additional expenses. Less able monitors may therefore cost you MORE in the long run.
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Clinical Training
In addition to the training that is required to use these devices, it is just as important to ensure that your clinical training is up to scratch. We recommend that you visit the CPPE page to learn about hypertension and the service. Also, NICE and CKS guidance on hypertension are also essential reads. For a basic clinical introduction on the service please watch PharmaPlus video
below:
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Pricing
We have negotiated a special PharmaPlus price for you AND an additional 2% off when you buy from Valley Solutions website. Please see the attachment with details on products and prices for members.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are many issues that you will need to take into consideration before buying a machine. Cheap is not necessarily the best option. So have a look at the attached document to find out more.
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As always, please get in touch with us on info@pharmaplusltd.co.uk for any further details.
Regards,
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