HIGH blood pressure patients in some parts of the Wee County will soon be able to take their own blood pressure checks – before texting the result to the nurse or doctor.

NHS Forth Valley are introducing the new scheme which seeks to make best use of mobile technology.

Clacks residents attending the Alva, Dollar and Clackmannan surgeries will be able to take part before the initiative is eventually extended to all practices.

Patients will receive a text message from their GP, asking them for information about their blood pressure.

They can then take their own readings before texting the result back – these are collated on a secure online interface which can be accessed by a nurse.

If readings fall outwith certain parameters agreed in the care management plan, a message will be sent back with advice on what to do next.

An alert can also be sent to clinical staff to support early intervention which can reduce the need for the patient to travel to their doctor's or to the hospital.

Lesley Middlemiss, programme manager for primary care transformation at the local health and social care partnerships, said all Forth Valley GPs will eventually have the chance to get onboard.

She added: “Indications from other health board areas are that patients really like this scheme and it is working very well.

“GPs and practice nurses are also enthusiastic, as taking a reading at home is much more reliable. All GP practices in Forth Valley will eventually get the opportunity to come on board.”

The system is called Flo after Florence Nightingale, who is regarded as the founder of modern nursing.

Other practices outside Clackmannanshire include Bannockburn, Viewfield in Stirling, Killin, Antonine in Bonnybridge, Carronbank in Denny and Viewpoint in Stenhousemuir.