Workers at Bluff’s Sanford fisheries recently participated in an interactive discussion about bowel health and bowel screening, after receiving a visit from Southern DHB’s National Bowel Screening Programme team.
More than 30 staff attended the information session, which raised awareness of healthy habits and encouraged participation in the National Bowel Screening Programme. Bowel screening is free for those who are aged 60-74 and eligible for publicly-funded health care.
“Our SAN Well team proactively develops various initiatives to support the wellness of our staff and their families and communities here in Bluff,” says Warren Crighton, Site Manager. “It is important to us that we support, encourage and inform staff on matters of health and wellbeing such as bowel screening, and then they in turn can share that information with their family and friends.”
Participation in the National Bowel Screening Programme remains high in Southland at 70% overall, compared with 63% nationally. However, this means 30% of Southland residents who have received invitations to participate are yet to do so.
“We know sometimes people put off doing the test because they are scared of getting a positive result, but early diagnosis increases the chances of having straightforward and successful treatment,” says Programme Manager, Emma Bell.
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