Project Improving Rural Health Access Wins National Award

A project backed by the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to improve access to health services in rural areas has picked up a national award.

How the Farming Health Hub Works

Rachel Williams, a consultant respiratory practitioner for the Trust, has been working with primary and community sectors, market chaplaincy, Imagine If and Exeter University to create a Farming Health Hub serving north Cornwall. The hub offers advice, support and guidance to farming communities at livestock markets and pop-up venues, giving farmers and their families easier access to help.

Rachel says:
“This award is a great achievement. It reflects the dedication, collaboration, and innovation within the team. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far.
Rural and coastal communities face unique challenges in accessing services.
The aim is to enhance the health and well-being of our rural communities. Promoting place-based care through a sustainable farming health hub model.”

The model is co-produced with the farming community and tailored to individual need. Rachel adds:
“It is a model that doesn’t just treat illness. It understands people, their context, and their lives.”

National Recognition for a Cornwall-Based Idea

At the Personalised Care Awards, the team received the Working Together Differently Award. Rachel attended the ceremony alongside Vicky Parker, Sue Banks, Gemma Brailey and Kirsty Tooke.

Weekly Support at Holsworthy Livestock Market

The Farming Health Hub runs every Wednesday at Holsworthy livestock market. It includes a community navigator post, a nursing post and an HCA from a local practice. Reviews can also be carried out outside the market venue.

The hub is open to anyone attending the market, not only those registered with a local GP. Services include basic health checks, condition specific reviews with specialist services, accidental counselling training, prevention and health coaching. The hub is also working with public health and governmental bodies including DEFRA.

The idea is to bring care closer to home by placing services in the market setting for under-served farming communities. Experts already working within the market are involved, with the market chaplain now one of the research assistants. All activity is linked to the neighbourhood health agenda.

Evaluating What Works

The project is being evaluated by Exeter University and PPIE to understand which parts of the model work well and which may need adjustment.