Residents invited to make a change in new Learning and Action Network

Last week marked “Know Your Numbers!” Week and Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is encouraging residents to get involved in a new network to improve services and health outcomes.

With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a leading cause of deaths across the region, the annual ‘Know Your Numbers!’ Week, run by Blood Pressure UK, aims to support individuals who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment they need.

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of deaths in England, accounting for approximately 25% of all deaths, which translates to one every four minutes. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the primary risk factor for CVD and often remains undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature.

It is estimated that 4.2 million people in England are living with undiagnosed hypertension. However, many deaths associated with high blood pressure are preventable, as it can be effectively managed with appropriate care.

In response to the findings of the Denny Review a community-led review which assessed the impact health inequalities have on access to health and care services, on health inequalities , the ICB are launching a Learning and Action Network (LAN) in October with a focus on cardiovascular disease, in particular on hypertension.

The Learning and Action Network is a programme of work bringing together local people, the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, health and care professionals, public health councils, VCSE organisations, and members of the Denny Communities. The aim is to understand what matters most to our population and working together to create shared aims and ideas that can improve outcomes for residents.

Dr Chirag Bakhai, Long-Term Conditions Clinical Lead, said:

“Through the Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes Learning and Action Network, we aim to leverage comprehensive data from primary care, public health, and census sources to identify and address trends in hypertension prevalence and management. By examining differences in age, ethnicity, and local deprivation levels, we aim to tailor our interventions to effectively reduce cardiovascular disease in our communities and improve the health of our populations.”

More information about the network, including how residents can get involved, will be available in the next few weeks on the ICB website.