GPs from across England are set to prescribe patients with active travel including running and cycling in a bid to reduce pressure on the NHS.
The multi-year funding plan costing £12.7m, announced by the Department for Transport, will launch this year and is part of a larger movement of “social prescribing” to boost mental and physical health, a process which has already been used in the NHS.
Trials will take place in various towns and cities across England including Leeds, Nottingham, Bradford and Plymouth with doctors being able to offer patients with free bike loans, place patients on adult cycle training courses and walking mental health groups, pilot projects that will be supported by the funding and run until 2025 with regular monitoring to analyse progress.
It is hoped that the pilots will ease the burden on the NHS as well as reduce GP appointments and patient’s reliance on individual health measures.
‘Leading the Way’
Minister for health, Maria Caulfield, said: “Getting active is hugely beneficial for both our mental and physical health – helping reduce stress and ward off other illness such as heart disease and obesity.
“The UK is leading the way in embedding social prescribing in our NHS and communities across the country. We’ve already exceeded our target to ensure over 900,000 people are referred to social prescribing schemes by 2023-24 and this pilot will help us identify further schemes to reduce disparities and boost mental and physical wellbeing across the country.”
Walking and Cycling Minister, Trudy Harrison, said: ”Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.
“It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS.”
Former Olympic cycling champion and current National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman salutes the move.
“As a nation we need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips. Active Travel England’s mission is to ensure millions of people nationwide can do just that – so it’s easier to leave the car at home and to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
“Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings. This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.”
Bills
In addition to prescribing active travel, the government have also discussed plans for GPs to prescribe cash to help pay for patients’ energy and heating bills, a move that has been heavily criticised by Labour.
Officials in the Treasury reportedly want family doctors to evaluate whether sick or elderly people require a discount heating their homes.
But Shadow Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, claims this would increase pressure on the NHS.
“The Conservatives have lost the plot on the cost of living crisis and haven’t got a clue about the level of pressure on the NHS,” he said.
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