Cornish fishermen are being offered free health checks to make sure they are coping with the demands of the job.

Outreach NHS Health Checks teams are visiting several fishing ports to carry out health checks including Newlyn, St Ives and Padstow. The health checks will be taking place at the following locations

  • 25 April 06:00 – 13:00         St Ives
  • 26 April 06:00 – 09:00         Newquay
  • 26 April 09:45 – 13:00         Padstow
  • 27 April 06:00 – 09:30         Hayle
  • 27 April 10:30 – 13:30         Sennen
  • 28 April 06:00 – 14:00         Newlyn

The team, which help deliver the national free NHS Health Checks programme, want to target groups of people who traditionally keep their health problems to themselves, and often only visit their doctor when symptoms are well advanced, making their conditions harder to treat successfully.

They have previously worked with farmers and fishermen and are returning due to the success of the last campaign, which they claim saved lives by identifying serious health issues.

The Health Checks examine several elements – height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, which are used to calculate the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

The check itself takes 20-30 minutes and includes a discussion of the results and any steps which can be taken, for instance to reduce cholesterol or blood pressure. Experts say these conditions can often be prevented, even if there is a family history.

Senior Superintendent Keith Dickson, South West said:

“Fishing is the most dangerous peace time occupation. It is essential that our fishermen are as healthy as possible to meet the vigorous demands that fishing brings. Fishermen struggle to visit a doctor as surgeries are generally open when they are out fishing. This initiative made a significant difference last time we visited and our support for this programme supports our Fishing Safely programme. I really encourage fishermen to take advantage of the check.”

Dr Caroline Court, Interim Director of Public Health, said:

“We are delighted to be working again with the Fishermen’s Mission to reach people who might otherwise not see a doctor until it’s too late, so we’re very pleased to promote this partnership. Helping individuals to make good choices about their lives and health is an important part of the work of the Health Promotion Service, and improving people’s health and well being in this way reduces cases of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.”

For more information please contact Superintend Keith Dickson on 07884 188616