A very warm welcome to one of the UK's first and most comprehensive scheme for exercise referral started in 1995 by Lynne Potter.
Lynne is a fully qualified, freelance Health and Exercise Specialist with over 11 years of experience in setting up and co-ordinating exercise referral schemes. She has a degree in biology and previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 10 years.
Working in South Cambridgeshire, and supported by South Cambs District Council, Lynne is now co-ordinating schemes operating successfully at 12 locations in the region. During the past decade over 1500 local patients and residents have completed a 10 week exercise and activity course after being referred by their local Health Practitioners. The benefits have been recorded and the scheme’s success has meant it now attracts funding from both the local council and Primary Care Trust.
Following a referral, the course begins with a health assessment so that the activity can be tailored to the individual’s needs. Supervised group exercise is then taken during a couple of hours each week, and a final assessment undertaken to demonstrate the benefits. These include –
• Greater mobility and balance which reduces the likelihood of falls – a particularly acute problem among older patients.
• Greater stamina for everyday tasks.
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Improvements in mood and general wellbeing
Specialist classes are also available for people referred from Papworth Hospital and Addenbrooke’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation team, or from the falls prevention team at Chesterton Hospital.
