How rural communities are reducing inequalities in health and social care
BY Rachael Rowe
- Jane Fitzgerald, neighbourhood service lead, Somerset
AT FROME CATTLE MARKET, one of the busiest livestock auctions in South West England, the scene is vibrant with farmers from all across the region, their trailers dotting the car park. Amid the lively scenes of auctioneers evaluating sheep and old friends catching up over breakfast, an unlikely visitor can be found: a podiatrist. This presence marks an innovative approach to bringing health services to rural communities.
Caring for farming communities
Frome Cattle Market hosts a pioneering health clinic, a collaboration between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Frome Market Health Hub, providing crucial healthcare to farmers and their families. Initiated in 2017 at a Somerset cattle market, the clinic was inspired by Catherine Hawk’s desire to fulfil her late father Derek Mead’s vision of a health hub for the farming community. Despite his tragic passing in a farming accident, community fundraising brought his idea to life, establishing rural health hubs across Somerset.
Jane Fitzgerald played a pivotal role in establishing the first hub. A neighbourhood service lead with a farming background, she boasts an impressive 48 years of NHS experience, including community nursing. Jane reflects, “I’m proud that we decided to set that up; everyone had a connection with farming so they could speak the same language.”
The clinic’s core mission revolves around offering vital health assessments and guidance, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community. A critical aspect of their approach is relatable communication—an aspect deeply valued by Lottie Cruse, a senior nurse married to a farmer. Lottie emphasises, “In our line of work, we don’t just conduct health checks; we listen. Sometimes, I initiate conversations by discussing cows because it’s a language we all share.”
Another significant facet of Lottie’s mission is raising awareness about critical health issues within the farming community, such as sepsis and prostate health. She highlights, “Sepsis is a huge problem for farmers as they are at a higher risk from barbed wire and unsanitary conditions.”
Foot problems are also prevalent among farmers, as noted by podiatrist Natasha Peck. She explains, “Farmers spend all day in wellington boots. We see lots of fungal toenails, thick skin and neglected feet. On occasion, we’ve identified foot problems that hinted
