Free health checks for farmers in Yorkshire
Yorkshire farmers will be able to get potentially lifesaving health and wellbeing checks when they head to a county livestock market.
NFU Members and those across the farming community going to Malton Livestock Auction Centre will be able to take advantage of a free health and wellbeing check up to ensure they have access to the right health advice.
North Riding rural health team will be by the Maton livestock market, next to the café, on Friday 14 November and Tuesday 25 November between 9.30am and 12 noon with more sessions to follow.
Farmers will be able to receive everything from voluntary blood and heart rate checks and speak to professionals about any other issues or concerns they may have.
The project, which has seen North Riding Primary Health Care Network join forces with the Farmer Community Network and the NFU will initially run until December.
NFU North regional board chair William Maughan who is a mixed farmer from Darlington, said it was really important people looked after their health both physical and mental.
He said: “It is vitally important farmers of all ages look after their health and wellbeing as some of us are a little reluctant to get to the doctors for just a simple health check.
“If you’re at the market and have a quick blood pressure check then if it’s high or low advice can be given and while it might be something and nothing it’s better to have it looked at.
“Early diagnosis can hopefully lead to better treatment and recovery, and it will provide some peace of mind.”
He said he was pleased the local health authority was on board to fund and support the sessions and said he would like to see other checks offered in the future, including for diabetes.
NFU East York County Adviser Poppy Smith said: “A lot of farmers are working alone a lot of the time from dawn until dusk and beyond to produce food.
“Seeing a doctor and getting a check is not always at the forefront of farmers’ minds and hopefully this will really help.
“There is no need to make an appointment, farmers can just come along and use the service.”
North Riding Primary Health Care rural outreach team are offering the free health checks and more general health and wellbeing advice. They are looking to roll this out to other auction markets too in the future.