Farmers offered NHS check-ups at Bakewell market

Members of the farming community in Derbyshire took full advantage of a drop-in health check service at Bakewell Agricultural Centre on market day this week (Monday 26 September).

In total, nurses saw 49 people and completed about 40 complete health care assessments, with many more seen by the physiotherapist and podiatrist on hand.

Farmer Frank Lomas has his blood pressure taken by nurse Susan Warren

The rural health MoT day was organised by the Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, which has a clinic room beside the market.

See also: Farmers at high risk from skin cancer, warns NHS

Both male and female farmers don’t tend to seek health care as often as they should Fiona Horton, physiotherapist

On offer were the regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests and height and weight checks, as well as information about physiotherapy, healthy eating, podiatry and screening services.

Physiotherapist Fiona Horton said: “It’s about being accessible to the farmers.

“Both male and female farmers don’t tend to seek health care as often as they should.

Michael Shufflebottom gets his feet checked by podiatrist Emma Shaw

“It is hard for them to take the time out of the farm and they also tend to be a bit stoical, so will soldier on.

“We see people for all sorts of issues – including bad backs and joint and hip problems.

“We work alongside a chaplain who can provide psychological support too.”

“The MoT day provides farmers with an accessible point of contact for advice and support on issues that matter to them.

Farmer Michael Shufflebottom, from Woodend Farm, Dronfield Woodhouse, who dropped in to see the podiatrist, agreed it is an excellent service.

“I don’t get time to go to the doctor, but I can come here for things like blood pressure and cholesterol and to get my feet looked at,” he said.