Long Term Conditions

Information for patients about Long Term Conditions

Long Term Conditions (LTCs) are health conditions that can impact on a person’s life, and may require ongoing care and support. We organise appointments and provide support for people who have an LTC by putting in place a way of working called ‘Personalised Care and Support Planning’. We work with our patients to help them better manage chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis or stroke, including transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

It's also important to stay on top of your blood pressure by regular monitoring. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Scroll down to find out how you can monitor your blood pressure quickly and easily from home.

We've changed the way to request Medical Reviews online

Following a successful trial and positive feedback from our patients, The Cranborne Practice is expanding the SystmConnect Online Consultation service and discontinuing eConsult.

You can contact the Practice using SystmConnect to access many online consultation services annual health checks for long term condition reviews such as Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or High Bloos Pressure.

These reviews aim to ensure the condition is well-managed, monitor health, and discuss any concerns or needed changes to medication or treatment. The Practice will offer an annual review in the month of your birthday. Patients will be sent a link to complete an online review when it is due.

If you believe your annual review has been missed, or you believe you need an earlier review, please email us at cranborne.reception@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or telephone us on 01725 517272 or 01202 822825.

Know Your Numbers, Protect Your Health

Why do I need to monitor my blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.

High blood pressure affects more than 1 in 3 adults in England; around 50% of all heart attack and strokes are associated with high BP and it is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease, heart failure and dementia.

Download and view a patient guide to monitoring and managing your Blood Pressure at Home>>

What happens if I don't stay on top of my high blood pressure?

Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of some serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

Prevention is key: If you have high blood pressure, reducing it even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions.

What if I don't have a Home Monitor?

If you don’t already have a suitable BP monitor, we can provide you with a discount code to buy a OmronX3 Comfort monitor through Amazon.co.uk. Email cranevalleypcn@dorsetgp.nhs.uk to request a code.

Alternatively, we have a limited number of BP monitors available for eligible patients to borrow free of charge. And should anyone need guidance and support to use the app to provide their BP readings, our Digital Care Coordinator is available to help.

Once you submit BP readings, our healthcare professionals can view these and advise any changes required to your treatment.