Electricals

Our electricals range covers the essentials for keeping an eye on your health at home: an automatic upper-arm blood pressure monitor, digital weighing scales, digital and infrared thermometers, a fingertip pulse oximeter and a TENS machine for drug-free pain relief. Our pharmacist is happy to show you how any of them work and help you pick the right one.

Sit quietly for about five minutes first, with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is level with your heart, fit it to bare skin, and keep still while it measures. Take readings at the same times each day and note them down — a one-off high reading matters far less than the pattern.

The higher number is the pressure when your heart beats; the lower is between beats. For most adults, ideal blood pressure sits between 90/60 and 120/80. If your home readings are regularly higher, don't panic — bring them in and we'll talk them through. We also offer a free NHS blood pressure check for eligible adults.

It clips onto a fingertip and measures the oxygen level in your blood (SpO2) and your pulse. For most people a normal level is 95–100%. Cold hands, nail varnish and false nails can affect the reading, and results can be less accurate on darker skin tones. If a clinician has asked you to monitor at home, follow the levels they gave you and seek advice if readings fall or you feel worse.

TENS uses gentle electrical pulses through skin pads to ease aches and pains without medicines — many people use one for back pain, arthritis or period pain. It isn't suitable if you have a pacemaker or another implanted electrical device, and it's best to speak to our pharmacist or your GP first if you're pregnant, have epilepsy or have a heart problem.