Farmers 'going to vets rather than GPs for advice'

Some farmers would prefer to take medical advice on their own health from a vet rather than a GP, a report has suggested.

More than 200 agricultural workers in North Yorkshire were asked about seeking help with their wellbeing in surveys carried out at auction marts and livestock shows for a study by watchdog Healthwatch.

The report found many farmers believed their problems were "not serious enough" to justify taking up health professionals' time.

It also noted that some farmers felt doctors did not fully appreciate the demands of farming life and might offer "impractical or unrealistic advice".

The study found that many farmers struggled to take time off work due to the demands of looking after livestock and crops, and prioritised work over their health and wellbeing.

Some farmers also told researchers they were worried about confidentiality in small rural communities if they sought help, particularly for mental health issues.

Others said they worried that disclosing mental health issues to a doctor could lead to their gun licence being revoked, which was essential for their work and social life.

The report noted that farmers often had strong relationships with their vets and may feel more comfortable discussing health concerns with them rather than with a doctor.

The report also said there were "many barriers" preventing the farming community from seeking help for health and wellbeing issues.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, these included time constraints, logistical challenges, lack of awareness, geographical isolation and stigma.

The report, compiled after speaking to farmers at shows in Nidderdale, Masham, Leyburn, Skipton and Thirsk, recommended providing health promotion and prevention services at auction marts and rural pubs, and organising a mobile health unit in rural areas of the county.

Other ideas included encouraging rural professionals working with the farming community, such as vets, to undertake training to help them identify potential health issues and signpost farmers to the right resources.

The report said that it was best to avoid clinical language with farmers and instead use "terminology and humour that resonates with the farming community".

The study is due to be discussed by members of North Yorkshire Council's health scrutiny committee next week.

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