Bolsover Wellness Programme

The Bolsover Wellness Programme specifically aims to address the life expectancy target set by government by increasing levels of physical activity which in turn will reduce obesity, reduces the risk of stroke, CHD, Diabetes and a range of other illnesses.

By targeting the most 'at risk' groups this will have a positive impact on life expectancy levels across Bolsover district, which is worryingly lower than the national average. In addition physical activity also contributes to improvements in mental health, long term limiting illnesses, and the mobility and independence of people in older age.

• G.P. Referral Exercise Programme
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase IV
• Chair Based Exercise
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Five:60
• Health 4 Life
• Wellness on Wheels (WOW)

G.P. Referral Exercise Programme

Clients are referred onto the scheme by their  GP or practice nurse for a variety of conditions from weight reduction to cardiac conditions.  An appropriate physical activity programme is devised for each client and leisure facility programme time has been made available with 30 specialist sessions per week on offer. Sessions include gym sessions, chair based exercise, circuits, aqua fit, specialist swimming sessions, cardiac rehabilitation and BLF active, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) rehabilitation classes. The programme has also added nutritional advice through one to one support by a qualified nutritionist.

Clients referred onto the scheme get 12 weeks free followed by another 12 weeks at a discounted rate. This results in a high retention rate and leads to continued exercise.

Welbeck Road Health Centre in Bolsover is now facilitated by the Wellness team, delivering specialist gym sessions, Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation and chair based exercise.

The Bolsover Wellness Programme was one of the first schemes to pilot the governments health trainer project. This has been a great success and resulted in national recognition for the scheme.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase IV

Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase IV has been running at Creswell Leisure Centre for 4 years. Patients who have completed phase III after a heart attack or other cardiac surgery at our local hospitals are then referred to our Phase IV classes.

The Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation classes run for 12 weeks free of charge. On completion of the 12 weeks course the clients then gain access to the G.P. Referral programme.

Phase IV delivery has now been extended to two other sites, which include Kissingate Leisure Centre and Welbeck Road Health Centre in Bolsover.

Phase III cardiac rehabilitation is now being delivered at Creswell Leisure Centre by qualified cardiac nurses. This provides a direct link to the Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Classes we are currently delivering.

Phase V classes are now being delivered at Creswell Leisure Centre which enables patients to continue to exercise with other clients with similar conditions.

Chair Based Exercise

Chair Based Exercise sessions involve mobility, stretching, cardiovascular and strength work in a group environment. These activities are specially designed to help clients cope with daily activities and are key to falls prevention.

Chair Based Exercise is a perfect progression to more intense activities such as the gym and other sessions within the Bolsover Wellness Programme.

There are currently 11 chair based sessions being delivered at Creswell and Kissingate Leisure Centres, another 3 sessions are provided in outreach centres throughout the district.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is a term used for a number of conditions; including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. The word 'chronic' means that the problem is long-term.

BLF Active is a scheme set up by the British Lung Foundation. Its purpose is to train fitness instructors to deliver exercise classes specifically for people with chronic lung disease with the aim of improving the participants’ quality of life.

Our Exercise and Fitness Referral Officers on the Bolsover Wellness Programme have gained the qualification in order to incorporate the scheme into our referral programme.

BLF Active Instructors are qualified exercise professionals who have passed the Chronic Respiratory Disease Exercise Instructor Course with a bursary from the BLF. They run exercise maintenance classes for people with chronic lung disease These classes last up to an hour and will typically consist of exercises designed to improve walking, some chair-based exercise and exercises designed to help manage Breathlessness. Every participant is given their own individually tailored programme based on their abilities and goals, as well as a BLF Exercise Diary to help monitor progress. Classes take place in safe, accessible venues and instructors are fully insured.

In order to attend classes run by a BLF Active Instructor you will need a referral from either pulmonary rehabilitation or from your healthcare professional.

A course usually lasts between six and 12 weeks. After your course has ended, you may be referred to the Bolsover Wellness Programme to carry on with your exercises.

For further information and the cause of COPD please visit British Lung Foundation website.

Last Updated on Friday, 05 November 2010 09:14