Last Friday , the newly refurbished Cambourne Library hosted the launch of a borrowing scheme, to empower residents to check their blood pressure at home.
This celebratory event brought together library users including local residents, councillors, council officers and Monkfield Medical Practice, to showcase the expanded space and new services on offer.
There was a range of activities for visitors and a ceremonial cake cutting declared the library officially open. A few words were spoken by Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council.
As part of the celebrations, Cambourne Library hosted the launch of the new blood pressure monitor borrowing scheme, working with the council’s Public Health service.
Around 1 in 12 adults in Cambridgeshire are estimated to have high blood pressure without experiencing any obvious signs of symptoms. That’s equivalent to around 45,000 to 50,000 residents living with an undiagnosed condition.
High blood pressure increases risk of cardiovascular disease, and but can often be lowered through simple lifestyle changes. Without symptoms, many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure. The new loan scheme helps library members to check and understand their blood pressure, empowering them to make informed choices about their health.
The council’s Director of Public Health delivered a short talk and two freestanding blood pressure monitors were available to try, with loanable monitors on display.
In total, there will be 350 blood pressure monitors available to loan across all 33 Cambridgeshire libraries and 3 mobile libraries, with clear instructions of how to use them and what to do with the results. Loans are available for library members aged 18 plus, for up to 3 weeks from a library or 5 weeks from a mobile library.
The celebration also showcased the £500,000 investment in Cambourne Library, through developer contributions due to Cambourne’s growth. The redevelopment has increased the size of the library by a third and includes a new community meeting room available for hire, a new children’s library and over £15,000 of new book stock.
Cambourne library has also introduced Open+, meaning those aged 16 or older, with a library membership, can access the library at specific times outside of its regular opening hours.
The library in Cambourne provides a welcoming space for families and young children, offering a regular programme of activities such as rhyme times and craft sessions. Libraries also support parents, carers and partner organisations, including early years and education services.
Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Peter McDonald, who attended the launch said: “It is fantastic to see Cambourne Library officially reopened and being enjoyed by residents. Today’s celebration shows how libraries can bring traditional library services alongside health and community services, all under one roof.
“Initiatives such as the loanable blood pressure monitors demonstrate how our libraries are supporting residents to live healthy lives while improving access and opportunity to services across the county. As many as 50,000 Cambridgeshire residents are estimated to have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Borrowing a blood pressure monitor from a library could be the first step to reducing your risk of heart disease.”
Find out more information about the blood pressure monitors at Blood pressure monitor loan scheme | Cambridgeshire County Council
