New health monitors installed in local GP surgeries
Patients across parts of Swansea can now monitor their blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI) in their GP practice waiting rooms, thanks to new health pod machines designed to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Available in local surgeries
The monitors have been installed at Gowerton Medical Centre, Penclawdd Health Centre, Penybryn Surgery, Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, Talybont Surgery and Ty’r Felin Surgery in Loughor. Patients can use them without booking an appointment, simply by dropping in during practice opening hours.
How the machines work
The pods guide patients through a short process: entering their date of birth and gender, answering lifestyle questions, and then measuring height, weight and blood pressure. Results are stored directly on the patient’s clinical record, and a printout can also be taken home.
‘Convenient and accessible’
Dr Sowndarya Shivaraj, who leads the project locally, said:
“The introduction of the health pod monitors in our GP surgeries offers patients a convenient and accessible way to check their blood pressure and BMI without needing to wait for a nurse appointment. By flagging risks early, we are better able to offer timely health advice and support.”
Supporting healthier lifestyles
Lorraine Thomas, practice manager at Princess Street Surgery in Gorseinon, said the machines were already proving popular.
“Everything appears on a screen and there’s a questionnaire where patients are asked if they smoke and want help to quit, and it will ask about alcohol intake too. The information then gets stored on their clinical records so GP practices can monitor them.”
She added:
“Most people aren’t aware of their blood pressure and other readings, such as their BMI, so it is helpful for them to be able to come in and check and then they can monitor it.”
Early detection of health risks
Staff will review the results and contact patients if readings are higher than recommended.
Dr Shivaraj said:
“High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, so regular monitoring is vital for early detection and management. If the health pod detects high blood pressure, our teams will be alerted and the patient will be offered a follow‑up appointment for further assessment.”
The initiative is part of wider work to encourage people to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining their health, with additional support available for smoking cessation and reducing alcohol use.
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