Exercise referral scheme is spot on
From Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Mrs Diana Holl-Allen on 11 September 2008
More than 500 people have benefited from a scheme to help them take part in regular exercise.
The DocSpot scheme run by Solihull Council, Solihull NHS Care Trust and Parkwood Leisure who run the Council’s leisure centres, offers support to GP practices and other health services to encourage patients to take part in healthy activities.
Patients are referred onto the scheme by their doctor or other health professional, before attending a sports centre where they’re assessed by a qualified exercise professional and given a 12 week physical activity programme designed to meet their needs.
Patients on the DocSpot programme can also receive advice and support about healthy lifestyles or help about reaching more specialised services.
During 2007/08:
- 544 patients joined DocSpot – an increase of 136 patients from the previous year
- 95% of patients who completed their programme improved their health and wellbeing
- Over half of those who completed their programme said that they had maintained an increased level of physical activity six months after starting DocSpot
- 82% of those who completed their programme reported an improvement to their mental health and well being after 12 weeks, and 59% reported an improvement after 6 months.
Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen said: “This scheme is achieving some really positive results for local people – helping them to access exercise in a way that meets their needs and helps them achieve the long-term physical and mental benefits of taking part in regular activity.”
For more information about the DocSpot scheme, speak to your GP or other health care professional.
For press and media enquiries only: Julie Turner 0121 704 8172
Email: juturner@solihull.gov.uk