GP & Health Professionals

The GP Exercise Referral Programme provides a pathway of physical activity to assist in the prevention and management chronic disease.  The pathway offers professional support over 12 weeks to encourage health behaviour modification and retention of an active lifestyle.  Each referred patient is led by a qualified Local Coordinator who has completed the HSE National Training Course.

GP BENEFITS;

•     Referral to safe and supervised environment
•     Knowledge that the instructor is suitably qualified
•     Feedback report provided so you can monitor patient progress
•     Providing a new pathway for your patients

 

For more information please read the FAQ's below and visit the Back Support Belt section of the site.

FAQ’s
What type of activity does the patient do?  The individualised activity programme will vary per person and per facility.  The programme may offer gym, pool, exercise class or home based sessions and will be tailored to meet the individual's needs.

What happens to patients that do not complete the 12 weeks?  Patients that are unsuccessful in becoming more active and/or fail to complete the 12 week course will be identified to the referring GP.  If in keeping with the inclusion criteria, re-referral of such patient is welcomed.

Are there long waiting lists? You will be advised of the number of patients your Local Coordinator(s) can accomodate.  Your Local Coordinator(s) will contact you to encourage you to increase/decrease your referral rate.  This ensures that a high standard of service can be provided and the likelihood of a positive outcome increased. 

How much does it cost? The fee charged to patients varies across facilities.  Please refer to the 'facility information sheet' issued to you with your resources, as this lists the pricing.  The National GP Exercise Referral team encourage all those delivering to operate at a not-for-profit rate during the 12 week pathway. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GP EXERCISE REFERRAL IN IRELAND

• 2003; National Framework  Published
• 2000-2008; GP Referral piloted in Cork, Kerry, Limerick & the Midlands.
• 2007; National Training Course launched and delivered annually
• 2009; National protocols and procedures adopted by all delivering Local Coordinators
• Today; Local Coordinators across Ireland are receiving referrals
• Future; The HSE National Training Course is run each year to increase the number of Local Coordinators to ensure the programme can be delivered from more facilities, reach more people and is sustainable over time