4:13pm Tuesday 2nd October 2007
FARMERS and agricultural workers from East Lancashire are being given the opportunity of getting a quick 'once-over' health check by a team of district nurses this week.
It's all part of East Lancashire Primary Care Trust's commitment to Rural Health Week, which focuses on raising the profile of rural health issues.
So a team of district nurses from Colne and Barnoldswick will be attending Gisburn Auction Mart on Thursday, taking their services out to the farming communities that congregate there for business.
Between 10am and 3pm, the farming fraternity will be offered free blood pressure and blood sugar checks at the auction.
District Nurse Matron Anne Briggs, who is based at Colne, said: "We know that traditionally farmers and agricultural workers find it hard to access NHS services, and even if they have signs of a problem, they often carry on, no matter what.
"So as part of Rural Health Week, we are taking the basic health check service to them where they work and meet.
"It will only take five minutes for both tests to be done, and we can help give advice into the bargain. We really hope that lots of people take advantage of what is on offer.
"After all, it's in their interests."
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