Wokingham

A Wokingham GP referral scheme was launched last week (October 30) to help patients suffering from obesity, asthma, mild depression and arthritis, get prescriptions for exercise from their doctors.

Called ‘Active Wokingham’ and set up as a partnership between Wokingham District Council, Leisure Connection and Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, the scheme will enable referred patients to access facilities at three leisure centres in the district: Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Rushey Way, Lower Earley, St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road, Wokingham and Carnival Pool, Wellington Road, Wokingham.

The scheme is intended to help patients make positive changes to bring long-term health benefits, including reducing use of medication and encouraging more self responsibility.

Qualified instructors will be on hand to give those patients who are referred an exercise programme tailored to their individual needs. The first appointment will last approximately one hour, followed by an equipment induction in the gym and personal exercise plan.

The Wokingham district council is providing all GP surgeries in the district with details of scheme. It is then the patient’s responsibility to contact the leisure centre and organise a fitness programme for 12 weeks. The cost to the patient is £25 a month for a 12-week period.

Cllr Dianne King, executive member for Wokingham community development, said: “Exercise referral schemes are an excellent way for the district council to work with health professionals and fitness providers to help patients make positive changes in their lives to ensure long term health benefits. Regular exercise is a great way to keep fit and healthy and the scheme is an ideal introduction to sport and leisure activities.”

Janet Kent, senior health promotion specialist at Berkshire West Primary Care Trust, said: “We now have enough evidence to support the claim that exercise assists good mental health. Gym sessions, cycling and walking can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Through the exercise referral scheme we hope to empower people into much better health.”

Details of scheme are available on the council’s website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk or by calling (0118) 974 6254. Doctors can also give advice about the scheme.

Wokingham District Council