Lived experience of being diagnosed with high blood pressure

Message from Hertfordshire & West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), it replaced CCG. It’s function is to be a bridge between the primary care providers and the NHS. We have our representation via our local surgery’s PPG (patient participation group).

As part of the ICB’s current campaign to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked we are keen to speak to anyone willing to share their own experiences.

Do you, or anyone you know, have a story you would be happy to share with us?

High blood pressure has no symptoms but if left untreated can lead to heart attack or stroke.

The campaign is particularly encouraging people over 40 to take up a free blood test check at a pharmacy.

Hearing from people who have discovered they had high blood pressure, and what this has meant for them, would really help us get the message out about the huge importance of getting it checked.

Find out more about the campaign on the ICS website including existing patient stories.

If you would be happy to share your story please email Lauren Oldershaw.

Free upcoming health and care events

Patients are our Passion – Improving Patient Care and Experience in West Herts Hospitals

St Albans Patient Group and the Herts and West Essex ICB have organised this event on Wednesday 15 May, 6pm. It will be presented by Amanda Budd, Lead Nurse for Patient Care and Experience.

Join the Zoom meeting.


Patient Engagement Forum – Mental Health Awareness Webinar

Thursday 16 May, 6.30pm – 7.30pm

The Herts and West Essex ICB Patient Engagement Forum has organised this session for National Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May). The free session is being held online and will offer the chance to start the conversation about mental health.

Speakers will include a representative from the charity MIND and a local GP – there will also be a Q and A session. Register for the session.


St Albans Elective Care Hub

Wednesday 29 May, 6pm

St Albans Patient Group, with the Herts and West Essex ICB Patient Engagement Forum have organised a session on St Albans Elective Care Hub.  This new centre at St Albans City Hospital is for planned surgery to provide faster access to some routine operations for patients in Hertfordshire and west Essex. This is to reduce waiting lists for people who have been waiting for a long time to have their operation.  

Join the meeting to find out more about the new centre.