North Dorset Exercise Referral Scheme

In partnership with the North Dorset Primary Care Trust, we operate a well used Exercise on Referral Scheme at all four of our leisure centres in Blandford and Sturminster Newton.  The scheme is aimed at people suffering from medical conditions that would benefit from attending regular exercise to enhance their quality of life and improve their health for the future.

High levels of inactivity in your lifestyle can be a major factor in developing many serious health problems. It is widely recognised that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest killers in today’s society.

Through recent consultation with scheme users and health professionals a number of areas of development and need have been identified which will allow the current scheme to be developed providing a more comprehensive service to the communities of North Dorset.

There are a number of areas identified which include, increasing the number of referrals per year, junior exercise scheme, exercise sessions for specific medical conditions, increase in patient to professional contact time at the leisure centre, and an increase in the range of activities available.

If you have a medical condition that you feel would benefit from exercise, discuss the exercise referral scheme with your doctor at your next visit.

How can I get involved?

If you are suffering from a recurring illness or condition that you feel would benefit from you taking part in a regular exercise programme ask about the GP Referral scheme at your local doctors surgery. Your doctor will then discuss your situation with you and can then refer you to the nearest leisure centre to take part in the scheme. Once you are there, the trained staff will conduct a personal consultation, including a health check and develop with you a ten-week programme of activity based on your individual needs.

To find out more ask at your local council leisure centre or at your doctor’s surgery.