For many in the fishing industry, spending long, unpredictable hours at sea is part of daily life, which can take a toll both physically and mentally on fisherman. However, unpredictable schedules and the remote nature of their work can make it difficult for them to attend GP visits.
The YourHealth Fisherman’s Service deliver health checks down the East Yorkshire Coast, directly on the quayside, meeting fishermen where they are. These mobile clinics allow the YourHealth professionals to provide blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks, HbA1c diabetes risk, mental health screenings, and oral health checks, harbourside.
A Fisherman who used this service discovered he was at immediate risk of a heart attack and stroke due to their dangerously high blood pressure. They were immediately referred to their GP where they received a medication review and support to implement health lifestyle habits.
The team previously relied on a petrol-powered generator to run the diagnostic equipment that helped to identify the Fisherman’s high blood pressure.
However, the aging equipment had become unpredictable and could cut out mid-way through appointments, leading to frustration from both staff and patients.
We were able to fund a new compact electrical power pack which staff can take onto the harbour side. Unlike its petrol-powered predecessor, the new generator is quiet, clean, and reliable. It is also a more sustainable choice, aligning with broader goals to reduce the carbon footprint in line with the NHS’ aim to become Net Zero by 2025.
Richard Beecroft, Seafit Health Improvement Practitioner said:
“Having the Mobile Power station has been invaluable; it has enabled us to improve the service we can offer the fishermen. We can now take the health check offer closer to the fishermen and do the checks in the Fishermen’s sheds and on home visits: improving access to a group of patients who have poor health inequalities and very poor health outcomes. A yearly health MOT could be the difference between being fit and healthy to go out to sea or not.”
