Long Term Conditions

Information for patients about Long Term Conditions

Long-term conditions are those that cannot, at present, be cured, but people living with these conditions can be supported to maintain a good quality of life.

Many people might be living with more than one long-term condition.

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

· Osteoarthritis

· Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

· Stroke

· High Blood Pressure (also called Hypertension)

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

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

In England, more than 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure. Monitoring your numbers is the first step in staying healthy.

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

How to take your blood pressure at home

To get an accurate reading, your body needs to be at rest. Avoid taking your blood pressure when you are feeling stressed, in pain, or in a hurry.

Tips for a steady reading:

Rest first: Sit quietly for 5 minutes before you start.
Positioning: Sit with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.
Arm position: Rest your arm on a table so it is at the same level as your heart.
Stay still: Do not talk or cross your legs while the machine is taking your reading.

For more detailed guidance, read our advice for taking blood pressure readings at home.

Let us know your reading via SystmConnect or drop a note in to Reception with your name and date of birth.

Update on Asthma Care & "Blue" Inhalers - May 2026

You may have seen recent news stories regarding changes to how asthma is managed in the UK. We want to reassure our patients that we are fully up to date with the latest NICE guidelines!

What’s changing?

The latest advice suggests that relying heavily on "Blue" (Reliever) inhalers may not be the safest way to manage asthma. New "Combination" inhalers are now the preferred way to keep you safe and your lungs healthy.

What should you do?

Don't panic: Keep using your current inhalers as prescribed.
Wait for us: We are currently reviewing our asthma registers and will contact you for your next scheduled review to discuss if a change is right for you.

Still worried?

If you are using your blue inhaler more than 3 times a week, please book a routine appointment with our Asthma Nurse.

Read more about what you need to know about changes to asthma treatment here.

Support for living with a long-term condition

Living with a long-term health condition can be difficult, but there is support available to help you manage your physical and mental wellbeing.

We work with local organisations and services to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and care you need to maintain your independence and improve your quality of life.

How we can help
We can connect you with resources and strategies to help you:

Manage daily routines: Find practical ways to make everyday tasks easier.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Access support for the emotional impact of living with a health condition.
Manage pain: Learn techniques to cope with chronic pain.
Stay independent: Get advice on equipment, exercise, and lifestyle changes to help you stay active.

Community SWITCH
We work closely with Community SWITCH (Supporting Wellbeing Improving the Community’s Health). This service is designed to help you regain control over your life by looking at your health as a whole, not just your medical symptoms.

Find out how to access Community SWITCH support for long term conditions.