PocDoc and Community Pharmacy Essex extend partnership following record CVD prevention roll-out

PocDoc has extended its partnership with Community Pharmacy Essex into a 3rd year after delivering what it says is the fastest NHS-funded cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention roll-out in community pharmacy since the launch of the national hypertension case finding service.

Collaborating with the Healthy Living Partnership, which manages services for Essex community pharmacies, PocDoc has integrated its flagship Healthy Heart Check into over 50% of pharmacies across the county in just six months.

The finger-prick blood test delivers a full cholesterol and diabetes profile, BMI, heart age, and a ten-year risk score for heart attack or stroke.

PocDoc’s multi-year partnership with Community Pharmacy Essex is commissioned by the local authority, Essex County Council, and aims to boost cardiovascular screening, support early intervention, and improve patient outcomes across the county.

It follows the company’s similar partnerships with NHS bodies in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East, and Cumbria, where the Healthy Heart Check has also been rolled out through mass testing programmes.

The broader impact on the healthcare service is significant: NHS research shows each digital health check could save 20 minutes of a GP’s time, and early detection could prevent 80% of CVD cases – potentially saving 136,000 lives annually in the UK.

Furthermore, partnerships like these are crucial to the Government’s 10-year Health Plan, which aims to create neighbourhood health services and focuses on home- and community-based digital prevention.

Steve Roest, Co-Founder and CEO of PocDoc said: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Community Pharmacy Essex to a 3rd year, bringing vital CVD testing to more people than ever through the fastest NHS-funded cardiovascular disease prevention roll-out in community pharmacy since the amazingly successful national hypertension case finding service.

“Early detection saves lives, and by working with local pharmacies and NHS bodies across the country, we can make cardiovascular screening more accessible and impactful, supporting the Government’s shift from treatment to prevention in its 10-year Health Plan.”

Karen Samuel-Smith, CEO of Community Pharmacy Essex said: “Community pharmacies are at the heart of local healthcare, and this partnership with PocDoc enables us to reach more people in Essex with potentially life-saving screening. Their team and technology is incredible as is their understanding of the CVD clinical pathway.

“The last six months have been incredible, proving that type of service is perfect for community pharmacy. By providing convenient, local access, we can support early intervention, improve patient outcomes, and help prevent serious cases of CVD within our communities.”

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