Health at hand
At any stage of life, health is all-important, but we often take this for granted. At various times, i.e. with small children or in later life, health and wellbeing is uppermost in our minds and the NHS is always our first port of call at times of need. However, the NHS has never been more stretched and even with phone advice from 111 cannot always be accessed especially out of hours.
The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust set up the “Nurse Advice Clinic” to plug the gap for gamekeepers and their families, whether in working lives or thereafter. This is not affiliated with the NHS, so it is totally confidential which is often of concern to those with shotgun and firearms certificates, whatever the issue.
We will answer and support anyone in the rural community whose income has or is dependent on a land-based occupation, not just keepers, stalkers or ghillies. This is a free and confidential service.
Access is through the phone or online with half hour appointments at a mutually convenient time and which can be repeated. Our nurses understand the life and work of rural people and are fully trained professionals. It may be a physical diagnosis to source further information and reassurance, an injury or worrying symptoms for any member of the family or mental health concern.
Recent examples are outlined below:
A gamekeeping family were caring for their elderly Mother who had fallen mid-week and had a visit to hospital who gave her the all clear. However, by the end of the week she was not taking enough fluid and she was coughing.
Her daughter Mary said: “I just didn’t know what to do, I was worried, but I could not get through to 111 and there was no out of hours for the local doctors.” I rang Sue at the Nurse Advice Clinic and she said try out of hours but otherwise wrap her up and take her to the hospital as soon as possible. I’m so glad we asked as she is now in hospital improving with antibiotics and a re-hydration drip. We hope she will be back at home with us soon.
Mike, a Grouse Keeper, was at the end of his tether with his back. The pain was excruciating, and his doctor had said stronger painkillers were really the only option. He was only in his late forties and could not contemplate the next 20 years like this. He spoke to the Nurse Advice Clinic who advised some sessions with a chiropractor. He had tried before but was reluctant. Financial assistance was also an option through the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust. He made the call and is thankfully now, much improved.
Mike said: “I was desperate before I rang. Sue was brilliant and reassuring and understood completely. I keep in touch and am now working normally with regular visits to the chiropractor to keep me on an even keel. I can’t recommend this support enough”
To contact the GWT Nurse Advice Clinic call: 0300 0110018
Email: health@thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com
Or online at www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com and look for the red cross at the top of the page.
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