Needing the NHS while out at sea: what prevents fishermen from using the NHS
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Healthwatch Kent visited fishermen and their families in Ramsgate in April 2022. They wanted to find out what prevents them from using the NHS.
The report highlights the physical and mental health risks fishermen face related to their work and lifestyles. It also shows the problems they face when trying to access GPs or other healthcare services, such as lack of suitable GP surgery opening hours and being digitally excluded.
Healthwatch Kent found that most fishermen wanted a “drop-in” health event at the harbor as it allowed them to get a health check between fishing trips.