AN independently owned transport company based in Somerset has partnered with Somerset Council and NHS Somerset as part of the ‘Take the Pressure off ‘campaign.

Hatch Green Coaches has become the first workplace in the county to host on-site blood pressure monitors provided by the initiative to enable their staff to check their blood pressure at work.

High blood pressure is a serious health concern. In the UK, it affects one in four adults, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. One in three people in Somerset with high blood pressure are unaware they have it.

The 'Take the Pressure Off’ campaign aims to raise awareness about high blood pressure and encourage early detection through free blood pressure checks within communities and workplaces across Somerset.

This second part of the campaign is calling on more businesses to host monitors at their site to support the health and wellbeing of their staff.

Nick Hutt, managing director at Hatch Green Coaches, said: “Employee health and wellbeing is extremely important to us as they are the heart of the company and paramount to the smooth operation of our services.

“High blood pressure can be a serious health concern and early detection is key. By holding the monitors here on site, it allows our staff to easily test themselves during work time which takes additional stress out of their everyday lives.”

Councillor Graham Oakes, executive member for public health, said: “As a large local company, I am thrilled that Hatch Green Coaches has chosen to be part of this initiative.”