"BP monitoring"

Today I have been left concerned that my mother in law has received a letter from her GP regarding her yearly check, the letter has suggested that she may wish to buy a BP monitor prior to her appointment.

Enclosed in the letter is a form to be completed and taken to her appointment, she has a guide as to how to take her blood pressure and record the readings on the form.

My concern is that pensioners and families in financial crisis are being advised to purchase an item at their own cost when they may not be able to afford the purchase.

How many other letter have gone out to this effect making the patient feel obligated to go out and make this purchase.

After seeing this letter I have since learned that this GP surgery actually has a BP monitor, available for patient use, this is not detailed in the letter.

I absolutely understand that during the pandemic we find ourselves in, GP surgeries and hospital areas are trying to minimise foot fall, but to expect people to make purchases at their cost seems slightly unfair.