We’re pleased to inform you of a new service available to residents across Greater Essex (excluding Thurrock and Southend).

What is it?

Residents can now borrow a home blood pressure monitor from any of our 74 local libraries or 2 mobile libraries, free of charge, for up to 2 weeks. This service is open to all adult library members and does not require a GP referral.

When is it?

The blood pressure monitors will be available to loan from all libraries from Tuesday 9th September 2025.

Why does it matter?

This initiative supports early detection and monitoring of hypertension, empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health. It also helps reduce unnecessary appointments by enabling patients to gather accurate home readings for clinical review.

What’s included in the loan kit?

What else?

We will provide advice and guidance material to borrowers, which will signpost those with high blood pressure readings to local community pharmacies, except in the case of very high and severe readings.

Library staff will not provide any medical advice to residents.

Additional in-library support:

We are also installing a limited number of free-standing blood pressure monitors in 15 of our libraries. These allow users to take a reading and receive a printout of their results on the spot. Each station will be supported by roll-up banners displaying NHS-aligned guidance on interpreting results and next steps.

These monitors will be located in the following libraries: Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Canvey, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester (from November 2025), Harlow, Loughton, Maldon, Saffron Walden, South Woodham Ferrers, Wickford, and Witham.

We also provide free sessions in all libraries to support residents to access and use the NHS app. Visit our website for more information about the NHS app sessions.

It was announced on 23 June 2025 that people living with obesity will be able to begin accessing tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for weight loss purposes in primary care settings.

However, this announcement does not mean prescriptions will be provided immediately to all eligible patients in GP practices across the country.

Weight management services are locally commissioned and funded at an Integrated Care Board (ICB) level, which means services will differ across each ICB. In mid and south Essex, access to tirzepatide will initially be through specialist weight management services only. Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) through primary care is not expected to start in mid and south Essex until later in 2025.

Access to this medication is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need; it’s for people living with obesity, in poor health with multiple obesity-related conditions as they would benefit most from the treatment.

For further information please click on the link below

https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/staying-well/healthy-weight/weight-management-services/access-to-tirzepatide-for-weight-management/ 

There are now many ways to access NHS services across mid and south Essex – and a new email series is here to help you make the most of them.

Sign up today and every two weeks you’ll receive practical tips and advice on how to get the right care, first time – whether that’s through your GP practice, a local pharmacy, or by referring yourself directly to specialist services.

The emails will cover:

• How to self-refer to local services without needing a GP appointment
• Getting help from your community pharmacy for common conditions
• Making the most of the NHS App to manage your healthcare
• How new GP practice teams and specialists are working to help patients more quickly
• What’s changing in GP appointment systems and how it benefits you

This series is designed to help you get practical advice straight to your inbox, so you, your friends and families can get the care you need quicker.

Sign up now: Get The Care You Need Quicker

You don't always need to speak to a doctor. We are part of Chelmsford City Health PCN and can book you appointments with a range of healthcare professionals, the benefits of which include being seen quicker and also having support tailored to your needs.

For more information please follow this link

Chelmsford City Health PCN Limited - Whitley House Surgery

For advice and guidance on how our Health and Wellbeing team can support you, as well as for self care and self referral pathways please follow this link

Health and Wellbeing Team - Whitley House Surgery

Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS) provides joined-up mental health and physical health support for people living with dementia or suspected dementia in mid Essex

The service offers:

 Rapid support for people who are in crisis

 Intensive support and treatment at place of residence

 Signposting to further advice and support You do not need to speak with health or social care professional to be referred as self-referrals are accepted.

CALL: 01245 515 313 for advice, support and referral. The helpline is open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am – 5pm.

111 option 2 outside these hours if you are concerned about mental health needs.