Nurses set Thirsk date to give health checks to farmers

The farmer health checks will take place at Thirsk Auction Mart on Tuesday, April 12 between 11am-2pm.

The Farming Help Charities, the Yorkshire Rural Support Network and a local NFU advisor will be on hand at the mart’s machinery show and store sale on Tuesday next week (April 12) between 11am-2pm to chat to farmers who would like some help or advice on any business or health issues.

The British Red Cross will also have a representative there to give details to farmers about basic emergency first aid.

With many farmers working in isolation or on remote farms, organisers believe this is the perfect chance to offer help to farmers ahead of the busy spring-summer season.

Kate Dale, Yorkshire Rural Support Network’s co-ordinator, said: “In view of the challenging start to 2016, the Yorkshire Rural Support Network, supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, felt it was entirely appropriate to make a practical response to the massive effects of flooding, cash flow difficulties and health issues.

“We see this as a good opportunity to catch up with arable and livestock farmers before they all get really busy when the weather takes up, and give them the chance to have an informal chat about health or business concerns. The nurses will be outside the café and all are welcome.”

The health check session in Thirsk will be the final one in a series of events aimed at farmers attending the New Year machinery shows and at livestock marts across the region.

Mrs Dale said they had been well received to date.

“The checks have been very popular in the past and have been successful with a good cross section of young and older folk attending, flagging up a significant number of health issues requiring further investigation,” she said.

“Our nurses do sterling work and very quietly and informally drill down to establish some of the possible causes of stress and anxiety which may lead to high blood pressure and high blood sugars.

“It presents an opportunity to refer back to GPs - either immediately or in the near future - as well as promoting the additional support on offer from the Farming Help Charities and other support groups listed in our Fit for Farming booklet which is free to take away.”