National Exercise Referral Scheme – ‘Fresh Start’

Aim

The aim of the Community Cardiac Health Development Officer is to develop Health initiatives in the Wrexham area and provide a programme of exercise for people who have had a heart attack.

Background

The Community Cardiac Health Development post is joint funded initiative between the North East Wales Hospital Trust and Wrexham County Borough Council. The two main schemes run by the Community Cardiac Health Development Officer are Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme and Fresh Start.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation is another scheme, that provides the opportunity for patients from Wrexham Maelor Hospitals Cardiac Rehabilitation Department to continue with their exercise plan under safe conditions.
Further information on physical activity and coronary heart disease can be found on the British Heart Foundation website.

National Exercise Referral Scheme – ‘Fresh Start’

What is the Exercise on Referral Scheme?

The ‘Fresh Start’ Exercise on Referral Scheme is designed to help inactive adults who are either at risk of developing poor health, or who have a pre-existing medical condition, to become more active.

Participants in the scheme will be given a consultation from a fully qualified Exercise Professional and access to a 16 week exercise programme. After the 16 weeks participants will then be guided towards independent exercise for the long term. Exercise is not a short term fix for health improvement but needs to be a life-long lifestyle change.

The scheme is aimed at individuals who are inactive but motivated to improve their health. The programme will help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, help weight loss and reduce stress or depression amongst many other benefits.

How to get started?

Individuals must first be referred by their G.P, Practise Nurse or certain other health care professionals from Wrexham Maelor Hospital, such as the dieticians, diabetes nurses, cardiac rehabilitation nurses or physiotherapist. If they are eligible, a referral and consent form can be completed and sent to the designated Exercise Professionals.

What type of activity is offered on the Scheme?

A wide range of activities are available, which include outdoor activities such as Nordic Walking, Cycling and Walking programs, as well as Leisure and Activity Centre based activities such as the fitness suite, water based activities and light circuit classes.

For more information on Wrexham County Borough's Leisure Centres >>

Did you know?

It’s a fact that taking regular exercise increases your health and well-being. The current recommendation for physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) on five or more days of the week.

  • Exercise can make you feel good
  • Keep your heart strong
  • Give you more energy
  • Reduce Blood pressure
  • Improve diabetes
  • Help you sleep better
  • Help reduce STRESS
  • Help you manage your weight

Useful Links

British Heart Foundation

Change 4 Life

Exercise Referral Staff

All our physical activity programmes are led by highly qualified Exercise Professionals who have been trained in GP referral qualifications as well as more specialist qualifications including Cardiac Rehabilitation, Heart Failure, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Falls Prevention and Back Care. This allows us to deliver general Exercise on Referral classes, as well as classes specific to all the conditions listed. There are also fitness instructors from the different leisure and activity centres involved with delivering exercise sessions on the referral scheme who are also suitably qualified with the GP referral qualifications. Therefore you can be assured that you will be given professional advice and care throughout the duration of your exercise programme.

Community Cardiac Health Development Officer
Waterworld
Holt Road
Wrexham
LL13 8DH

Tel: 01978 297361
Fax: 01978 297351

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