New partnership set to boost CVD screening for communities across Scottish Borders and East Lothian

30th November, 2026: PocDoc, the UK’s leading digital diagnostics company, has partnered with Romanes Pharmacy Group to increase access to cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening in Scotland.

Through the new partnership, residents can book an in-person CVD screening at any of Romanes’ 8 branches across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian or take a test at home, after the pharmacy group agreed a deal to stock PocDoc’s Healthy Heart Check in their stores.

The Healthy Heart Check is driving a major change in the way CVD is detected and treated, making testing for the disease more accessible to those most at risk. The mobile phone-based, finger-prick test delivers a full cholesterol profile, BMI score, heart age, and a ten-year heart attack or stroke risk assessment - all within minutes - and is the first product of its kind to be fully integrated with the NHS app.

Romanes Pharmacy Group already offered in-person blood pressure and weight management checks as part of their preventive care services, but as CVD-related deaths in Scotland continue to rise, access to routine screening is critical.

Heart and circulatory disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, responsible for over a quarter (28%) of all fatalities, and costs NHS Scotland an estimated £950 million annually.

Not only could early detection prevent 80% of CVD cases - potentially saving 14,400 lives a year across the country - NHS research shows that each digital health check could save up to 20 minutes of a GP’s time, reducing significant pressure on the healthcare system.

The partnership also supports the Government's 10-year Health Plan, which aims to create neighbourhood health services and prioritises community- and home based digital prevention.

Steve Roest, CEO and Co-Founder, at PocDoc said: 

"By making our Healthy Heart Check available in Romanes pharmacies, we are removing barriers to vital cardiovascular screening in Scotland, giving people the tools they need to understand their risk. Early detection is key, and through accessible testing in the community and at home, we aim to empower people to make informed choices for a healthier future.”

George Romanes, Superintendent Pharmacist at Romanes Pharmacy, said: 

"We are delighted to partner with PocDoc to bring accessible heart health checks to communities across Scotland. At Romanes, we are committed to supporting the shift from reactive to preventive care, and offering the Healthy Heart Check in our pharmacies is an important way to safeguard the wellbeing of our customers."