Website of the Department of Health

Physical activity care pathway launched in London GP surgeries

In a new initiative being piloted by the DH from 1 October 2007, patients in a small number of GP practices across London will receive advice and support on becoming more active from their local GP or practice nurse. This physical activity care pathway will enable front line health professionals to help sedentary adults and those at risk of adverse health outcomes associated with low activity levels to become more physically active.

Thirty minutes of moderate activity, at least five times a week is all it takes to improve and maintain good health but many people are falling well short of this recommended level.

Health professionals will work with patients to overcome barriers to exercise, help set individual goals, signpost patients to local physical activity opportunities and keep track of their progress.  The care pathway is built upon arrangements that were already advanced to implement the NICE Guidance on ‘brief advice’ in primary care and the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire as well as learnings from the Local Exercise Action Pilots.

This pilot is an excellent example of successful collaborative working across national, regional and local organisations.  Key partners include Natural England, NHS London and Sport England.

A Lets Get Moving support pack for patients has been developed for use in the pilot.  This pack supports behaviour change and signposts people to both greenspace and indoor activities with support from a local co-ordinator if required.

This care pathway model will be evaluated in terms of cost and feasibility with a view to adopting and mainstreaming a physical activity brief intervention in GP practices throughout England.

• Press release 13 October 2007: Physical activity pilots launched in London GP surgeries (opens new window)