Derbyshire’s farming women get a health MoT

A primary care trust in Derbyshire is staging a health event aimed especially at farming women amid increased concerns over women’s health in the industry.

Health visitors and nurses will be running an open day on Monday, 13 September, at the Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre in the town’s cattle market.

Women from farming families are invited to turn up, no appointment necessary, to get advice on a broad spectrum of health issues – from general aches and pains to podiatry, breast health, diet and citizens’ advice.

Derbyshire PCT decided to reach out to the industry after DEFRA statistics showed that more and more women are having to seek extra work to supplement farm incomes. This has increased the isolation of female members of farming families, with fewer women able to find the time for basic health checks or trips to their GP.

Fiona Horton, who helped to organise the day, said: “A lot of farming wives are very busy people. Income from farms has not been very good for the past 10 years and many now have two jobs.

“With this event, we’re reaching out to farming women in Derbyshire and the surrounding area with an MoT day for them and their health. They are a very important part of the community and this is a one-stop health shop aimed at them.”

This is the second time Derbyshire has staged the event. Last year more than 100 women attended and several of them were referred for further treatment.

This year’s open day takes place from 10am to 1pm on Monday 13 September at the Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre.