Meeting: Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 1a - 10/01/2005 10:00:00 AM)
Item: A8 Exercise Referral Scheme: Review
Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee
10 January 2005
Exercise Referral Schemes: Review | Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny |
Purpose of Report
1. To review progress in relation to Exercise Referral Schemes in the County.
Background
2. In January 2003, the Sub-Committee considered the final report about an investigation of the Exercise Referral Schemes operating in the County.
3. Exercise Referral Schemes had their origins in guidance from the Department of Health. The National Health Service plan in 2000 set out the government’s long term agenda for health at that time including a commitment to increase levels of physical activity.
4. Since then, there has been more and more emphasis on a proactive approach to promoting positive health culminating to date in the recent White Paper.
5. The original investigation made a number of specific recommendations. These recommendations are summarised below.
Addressing Inequalities
- Consistency and targeting - there were significant differences in the take-up and availability of schemes across the County. The Sub-Committee gave encouragement for all areas to aspire to the ‘best’ schemes and to consider targeting areas of most need.
- Accessibility - many of the schemes were based on leisure centres. The Sub-Committee encouraged the development of more outreach locations within communities to improve accessibility for local people particularly where transport difficulties were an issue.
- Under-representation of Men - the Sub-Committee encouraged initiatives to increase the number of men on schemes who were under-represented. This involved consideration of extending availability into evening and weekend sessions.
Publicity Finance - There were significant differences in funding provided for the five schemes in the County. Funding agreements over a five year period were suggested as the ideal in terms of sustainability.
Good Practice - There was evidence of a great deal of good practice across the County. The Sub-Committee gave encouragement to share good practice to speed the process of improvement.
6. An up-date was requested in respect of each of the five schemes operating in the County. Many of the schemes are developing significantly and this makes comparison year on year more difficult. For example, in terms of the number of referrals, there are now a variety of types of referral - some related to back pain programmes, some cardiac rehabilitation, some angina pain and some high risk. It is clear, however, that all of the schemes have increased the numbers of referrals and some schemes significantly so.
7. The detailed statistics are of assistance to a co-ordinating group which considers good practice throughout the County. The particular issues for the Sub-Committee to note are:-
- Dales - the number of referrals overall has increased from 250 to well over 300. Healthy Living Centre funding has increased the overall level of funding significantly which has enabled expansion. A specific route for young people on to the scheme was being explored together with more outreach sessions.
- Derwentside - the number of referrals has increased from approximately 200 to nearly 240 which is in line with the target set. A junior fitness suite funded by the Derwentside Partnership is now providing a programme for young people from 8-16. Funding from the PCT has increased. In reviewing the scheme, outreach work will be considered.
- Durham and Chester-le-Street - the number of referrals has increased from about 700 to approximately 930. Total funding has increased from the PCT, the City of Durham Council and Chester-le-Street District Council. There is also a grant from the Countryside Agency. Community locations will continue.
- Easington - this scheme has been reviewed and was re-launched during the year. This has had a temporary impact on referral numbers but the target for this year is 300. A significant increase in staff resources has been planned. Evening sessions have been introduced and there has been an increase in venues.
- Sedgefield - This scheme has had a high number of referrals. The current core programme involves over 600 referrals. In addition, there are 700 patients involved in a back pain programme and over 140 in a high risk scheme. A new course has been introduced in partnership with hospital dieticians called ‘Weight No More’. Funding from the PCT and the Borough Council has increased. Outreach locations are being developed.
8. All of the schemes indicated that they were on target to achieve the National Quality Assurance framework in relation to Exercise Referral Schemes. Also, all of the schemes reported that all GPs’ surgeries were participating to some extent.
Summary 9. The original report indicated that Exercise Referral Schemes had great potential to improve health generally within the County. The general poor health in County Durham is acknowledged. Exercise is one of the ‘best buys in public health’. There are many examples of excellent initiatives in the schemes operating within the County. This review has indicated that progress is being made throughout the County.
10. It is likely that, with the increased emphasis on the promotion of exercise, that these schemes will continue to expand. It is too early to make any accurate assessments of the impact on general health in the County, but it is clear that these schemes are an important step in the overall aim to improve health in County Durham to match the national average.
Recommendation 11. You are asked to note the satisfactory progress which has been made.
| Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506 |
Whenever possible, joint publicity was encouraged as a cost-effective approach to publicising schemes. Primary Care Trusts were asked to encourage all GPs to fully participate.
Attachments
Exercise Referral Schemes Review - 10 Jan.doc