NHS England has released a report, Harnessing the benefits of physical activity that suggests it is keen to collaborate with the physical activity sector.

The report by the quango – which is being dismantled by the government – shows a recognition of the benefits of physical activity in terms of physical and mental health and to the economy via social value, a healthy workforce and less drag on the NHS.

With delegates of UK Active’s recent Active Uprising conference being urged to “just do it” rather than wait for the NHS or the government to lead the way, this report suggests the health service is already on message with what the fitness industry can provide and is crying out for solutions to be presented.

The report laid out four ways to move forward:
Empowering health and care professionals
Evidence shows that one in four people would be active if a healthcare professional advised it, so all health and care professionals should be equipped with the skills and confidence to discuss the importance of taking up appropriate physical activity with patients who have health conditions.

They should be able to signpost to physical opportunities and events; highlight the importance of maintaining activity levels to prevent deconditioning; removing myths associated with the risk of physical activity – including the need to seek medical approval and empower people to make informed choices.

Integrating physical activity into clinical pathways
By embedding physical activity into clinical pathways, the NHS could support improvements in patient outcomes and deliver evidence-based care across various conditions leading to fewer complications and less use of NHS resources.

For example, peri-operative care could be enhanced by supporting patients to prepare for surgery and recover more effectively, using resources such as Prehab4Cancer.

Supporting the NHS workforce
The health and wellbeing of the NHS workforce should be supported by holistically promoting physical activity both within and outside of work, for example promoting healthy workplace environments, encouraging active travel, offering flexible hours where possible and promoting the use of local community facilities and assets such as gym membership discounts.

Supporting innovation and evaluation with partners
“Collaboration between the NHS and the physical activity sector is essential to embedding physical activity into health and care,” says the report. “Addressing disparities in physical inactivity requires system-level solutions.
“By supporting collaboration between regions, integrated care systems (ICSs), integrated care boards (ICBs), commissioners (including those in local authorities), and the physical activity sector, the NHS will help to ensure that underserved communities benefit from targeted interventions.

“Enhanced research and evaluation of interventions that address physical inactivity and their impact will further drive this effort to influence the provision, access to and use of local assets and facilities.”

Another message which came across at Active Uprising was that the NHS is in firefighting mode, therefore the more pro-active our industry can be in initiating contact and presenting solutions the better.

Consider offering a discount to Blue Light Card holders – if health workers exercise they’re more likely to recommend it. A number of operators are already doing this including Everyone Active, The Gym Group, PureGym, Bannatyne, Anytime Fitness and Nuffield Health.

You can read the report here.