Lorry drivers passing through Somerset are being offered on-the-spot health checks at a local truck stop, as part of an NHS initiative designed to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation within the profession. At Junction 24 Truck Stop in Bridgwater, a visiting nurse provides routine screenings, including blood pressure and diabetes tests, to drivers from the UK and overseas.

The service also gives drivers the opportunity to speak face to face with a healthcare professional, something many may rarely experience while working long hours alone. Alongside physical checks, advice is offered on staying active, eating well and managing the health risks linked to spending long periods sitting behind the wheel.

District nurse Fay Braddick, who leads the project, said the aim is to help drivers take early action to protect their health. She explained the idea grew from earlier work supporting farmers, noting shared challenges such as long working hours, difficulties accessing healthcare and concerns around mental wellbeing. She added that loneliness and limited social contact can have a serious impact, particularly for those who spend most days on their own.

Official figures show lorry drivers have a higher suicide rate than the national average, underlining the need for better support. Driver Darrell Tuitt said some colleagues avoid health checks through fear or exhaustion after demanding shifts. However, Braddick said her views had changed since running the clinics, adding she had been encouraged by how many drivers are more health-conscious than expected and open to engaging when support is made accessible.