News Archive

Sports Centre launches GP referral scheme – University of Reading

A GP Referral scheme has been launched at the University of Reading's Wolfenden Sports Centre in partnership with the University Medical practice. The scheme enables individuals referred by their GP to make progress with their particular condition as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. Research has proven that individuals suffering from certain conditions respond positively to a course of regulated exercise. Individuals referred by their GP receive an initial assessment with a qualified GP referral consultant from the Wolfenden Sports Centre. Information gained from this initial assessment will then enable the consultant to create a personal programme of exercise for the individual to follow. The University of Reading Sports Centre has been running the scheme for 3 months and has received positive feedback from those individuals involved. GP Referral customer Linda Ledger stated that the scheme was "a turning point in her life due to my high blood pressure. I was allergic to the drugs I was on and the exercise has helped to reduce my blood pressure." Nicolas Wilmot found the scheme "provided a controlled environment which made it possible to turn a weakness into a strength." Throughout the course of treatment, individuals have regular contact with their consultant, receive a mid-check appointment and upon completion, a programme summary. This summary highlights the personal health and fitness improvements from the start of the course. Dr. Emma Jarvis, one of the University's GP's stated that "I was delighted when the University Sports Centre offered to set up an exercise referral scheme. It's great to offer this scheme to individuals/patients, who know exercise would help but do not feel motivated enough to join a gym on their own. The University's GP referral consultants tailor the scheme to suite individual exercise needs which provides essential grounding for individuals to progress with a healthy lifestyle&ellipse;.for life! The individuals are thoroughly enjoying and benefiting from the scheme." To aid in the delivery of the programme at the University of Reading, Wolfenden Sports Centre, top of the range/state of the art equipment has recently been installed. The new user friendly equipment includes 10 Pro treadmills, 8 Cross trainers, 7 Stair climbers, 6 Pro upright bikes, 3 Recumbent bikes and 1 CV upper body trainer. The Wolfenden Sport Centre, situated on Shinfield Road is open to all, including members of the Community and offers facilities and activities to suit all abilities and ages. There are currently limited places available, but it is hoped that the scheme will be open to other surgeries in the area soon! To receive further information regarding the GP referral scheme, memberships or facilities please contact us at The University of Reading Wolfenden Sports Centre on 0118 378 6538. For further details please contact Carol Derham or Sue Rayner, Communications & External Relations Office, University of Reading 0118 378 8004/5.