This week, a blog discussing the potential impact of the government’s new social prescribing initiative: exercise on the NHS!
What?
11 local authorities in England are being given funding to support the prescribing of exercise by GPs. The scheme is aimed at reducing physical and mental health issues created by gaps in access to physical activity across the UK. This a pilot scheme being overseen by a number of governmental agencies, and hopes to herald a new dawn for social prescribing on the NHS.
Social prescribing links patients to activities or healthcare workers to actively promote the wellbeing of the ‘whole’ person. Regular prescribing focuses on the relief of particular diseases or symptoms, e.g. cancer or pain.
The scheme is designed to offer activities such as walking, cycling and wheeling (activities in wheelchairs) on the NHS. Funding will be provided to support:
- Free bicycle loans and lessons
- Walking and wheeling groups
- Cycling groups and taster days
GPs will identify patients in potential need of greater levels of physical activity, and signpost them to the appropriate service above.
Why?
Exercise and being within the ‘normal’ weight range are strongly associated with a healthy life. There is evidence to suggest that being at a normal weight can offer up to three further years of life expectancy, while obese people almost certainly have a higher overall health expenditure, regardless of life expectancy.
Exercise has been shown to reduce the incidence of multiple types of cancer, when undertaken at any level – but longer periods of vigorous exercise generally reduce cancer risk to a greater degree. It has also been shown to positively impact mental health.
Doctors in the UK are technically able to prescribe or recommend anything in the UK, as long as it is both attainable and legal. A doctor may well have recommended increasing your physical activity, or perhaps advocated a change in diet. This scheme is designed to increase physical activity by providing formal funding that gives patients better and easier access to these facilities. Lack of fair and equal access to exercise facilities and social exercise groups prevents many from reaping its benefits.
Whilst a doctor prescribing a walk in the park or a bike ride may seem like a bit of a joke, access to a reliable, working bicycle, or a regular walking or meeting group is an issue that affects many in the UK. This scheme aims to formalise social prescribing, and build it into the framework of the NHS so that physical activity is taken as seriously as medications and procedures.
How (does it affect you)?
If you live in one of the 11 pilot areas, you may well receive a prescription for a bike ride the next time you see your GP! These areas are:
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Bradford
- Cornwall
- Cumbria
- Doncaster
- Gateshead
- Leeds
- Nottingham
- Plymouth
- Suffolk
- Staffordshire
This scheme is aimed partially at those who have found it difficult to meet new people to exercise with, get started with cycling because of low confidence, or are unable to afford a new bike. If this sounds like you, the scheme could have a dramatic effect on your health and wellbeing.
It is also important to note that this is a pilot scheme. If it is effective and benefits are seen, it will be rolled out across the rest of the country. Currently, you will not benefit from it if you live outside of the above areas.
National Active Travel Commissioner (and former racing cyclist) Chris Boardman sums up the scheme, saying:
‘Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings. This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.’
Exercise has a profound effect on physical and mental health and wellbeing. This new scheme aims to remove barriers to exercise created by poverty or lack of access. If the scheme is successful, more UK regions will be added and more people will be enabled to get on the move.
As always, best wishes from myHSN!
