FabSwingers.com forum: Nhs spending

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?

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By *irtyGirlWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

No.

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

you dont have to take it, if you can afford gym membership buy it yourself and leave the prescription sessions to those on low incomes.

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By *irtyGirlWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"No. "

Although perhaps long term it'll save them money but my knee jerk is no. Exercise is free if you get off your arse. (Generic you rather than personal to you).

(Says lazy fat arse wedged in her armchair)

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By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman
over a year ago

evesham

it depends what the ongoing cost of the obesity is. 5 gym sessions isnt going to do a great deal really and i doubt that many of those who are prescribed them will continue to go afterwards.

perhaps more could be done to help with the emotional and psychological issues with food the a lot of obese people have....you can go to the gym every day of the week but if you dont have the right relationship with food then you wont lose weight.

I am testament to that, quite often i have used the fact that i have done a run to go and eat a kebab afterwards lol

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By *erbyDalesCplCouple
over a year ago

Derbyshire

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

It depends.

Technically you knew you were overweight, and therefore at risk of becoming a burden to the NHS, but chose to do nothing about it. So if this makes you change....?

Personally I'm not sure about the pros and cons of living longer just so I can become a burden to the social care system instead, I'd rather have a cream cake and a bacon sarnie now, then have an NHS funded gang-bang on my 75th birthday, so I go out with a bang (and with a smile on my face)

Mr ddc

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

no bigger incentive than good health......

that should be enough

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Preventative care costs less in the long run, so yes it's good spending.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

At least they're trying to help you.

Treating overweight people who let their weight cause health problems is arguably a bigger waste of money.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If it spurs you to carry on going and you can afford it. You don't need a gym to lose weight and get fit.

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By *entaur_UKMan
over a year ago

Cannock

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

Complete waste of money. Why didn't they prescribe you 5 sessions of jogging around the local park, that would be free and still has the same result. I do pay to use a gym but I like to take personal responsibility for my own health and wellbeing and that comes out my own pocket.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Give them all the swing life style and plenty of meets

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If I make love for two to three hours on a warm day I can lose half a stone feel relaxed and in a fantastic mood so ill stick with my way

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

I work for the NHS and know of these schemes - the gyms offer the sessions for free in the hope that the user will then pay for more sessions. They don't cost the NHS anything in most cases.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

Yes. I used to teach these sessions and you might just find out a few things from the tutor that you didn't already know. They'll work with you to see how you can make your own life more healthy, with small steps that you can manage.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

Hmmm, it's a strange one. On one hand I think it's a good idea, as preventing illness caused by excess weight is cheaper in the long term.

The other hand thinks that if you were responsible for the weight gain due to over-eating and under exercise then the responsibility should fall on YOU to sort it, however, you may not be inclined to do so and therefore you'll be at risk of heart disease (as a single example) which then ends up costing the NHS more.

It's a difficult one really.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I haven't taken the offer the alternative was 5 sessions at slimmers world.

I can afford the gym and know I overeat, that is my issue and I'm not looking to anyone to sort it.

I have lost 7kg without anyone else doing anything.

5 sessions may get things started but long term it's not the answer.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I haven't taken the offer the alternative was 5 sessions at slimmers world.

I can afford the gym and know I overeat, that is my issue and I'm not looking to anyone to sort it.

I have lost 7kg without anyone else doing anything.

5 sessions may get things started but long term it's not the answer."

I don't understand why you're complaining at the offer of help.

What do you want them to do?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

I was prescribed gym sessions for a back problem. I think it was probably as effective cost wise as physio. It also reinforced my resolve to never, ever set foot in a gym again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You used to get 12 week passes and you could do what you wanted at the gym. Think it was more for people who didn't exercise and didn't know what they wanted to do.

I did the 12 week course last year, and another one a few years ago. The first time it did give me the incentive to exercise myself and i lost weight on my own, the 2nd time i just went swimming all the time and didn't lose any weight but got my fitness level up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I wouldnt bother with them they are generally a waste of time. Most people have enough brain power to work it out them selves !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The NHS was always designed to prevent illness and promote good health. It's your NHS and your health use or lose both x

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Did you discuss with them the fact that you had already lost weight? How you are losing it?

All though I've lost weight on my own my doctor is extremely supportive and encouraging to me.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

I read an article today about how much its costing the NHS treating people with high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are easily preventable if you're not genetically pre-disposed. They're probably hoping that the offer of gym sessions might take with a few people and they can shave a bit off the enormous bill they're having to pay now for our inaction.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The NHS in it's health promotion campaign have supported many so called self inflicted illnesses. Smoking, drinking to name 2. many illnesses can be blamed on lifestyle. I as part of the NHS, promote good health and treat those in need without judgement from the cradle to the grave

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

"I as part of the NHS, promote good health and treat those in need without judgement from the cradle to the grave "

as should the whole of the NHS and also role model it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"The NHS in it's health promotion campaign have supported many so called self inflicted illnesses. Smoking, drinking to name 2. many illnesses can be blamed on lifestyle. I as part of the NHS, promote good health and treat those in need without judgement from the cradle to the grave "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's not Nuffield Health by any chance is it?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

Is it free now ?

I was referred to a class somewhat amusingly named 'Keep fit for the less fit'

I had to pay on a weekly basis to be outpaced by pensioners and stroke victims

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?

Is it free now ?

I was referred to a class somewhat amusingly named 'Keep fit for the less fit'

I had to pay on a weekly basis to be outpaced by pensioners and stroke victims

Comedy aside, I lost A LOT of weight and I feel that more than anything, this helped.

It was effectively circuit training.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Did you discuss with them the fact that you had already lost weight? How you are losing it?

All though I've lost weight on my own my doctor is extremely supportive and encouraging to me."

They told me I'd lost weight from the last time I visited and was weighed.

They were very supportive and referred me to try and kick start further fitness.

I'm not complaining just asking other people's opinion on if they feel it's nhs money worth spending

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I read an article today about how much its costing the NHS treating people with high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are easily preventable if you're not genetically pre-disposed. They're probably hoping that the offer of gym sessions might take with a few people and they can shave a bit off the enormous bill they're having to pay now for our inaction."

My previous doctor used to look disappointed when my cholesterol and glucose tests came back normal. She couldn't claim for diagnosing me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I haven't taken the offer the alternative was 5 sessions at slimmers world.

I can afford the gym and know I overeat, that is my issue and I'm not looking to anyone to sort it.

I have lost 7kg without anyone else doing anything.

5 sessions may get things started but long term it's not the answer."

So you just answered your own question!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I haven't taken the offer the alternative was 5 sessions at slimmers world.

I can afford the gym and know I overeat, that is my issue and I'm not looking to anyone to sort it.

I have lost 7kg without anyone else doing anything.

5 sessions may get things started but long term it's not the answer.

I don't understand why you're complaining at the offer of help.

What do you want them to do? "

dont think he was complaining - just asking us if we thought it was a good idea - personally id never heard of the scheme - dont think op had either

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do they also give you a sat nav so you can find the gym?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think truth of the matter is that we all have a responsibility to maintain our own health best we can,and there's a limit to what the NHS can do regardless of the ailment?

Without knowing the financial breakdown it's hard to provide valuable comment, but at least they offered something? More and more public services are having to say sorry,nothing to do with us anymore sadly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

But is five free gym sessions doing anything for long term? Surely it's about long term change to promote long term health.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Prevention is better (and sometimes cheaper) than cure.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

"But is five free gym sessions doing anything for long term? Surely it's about long term change to promote long term health."

Long term changes have to start somewhere.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"But is five free gym sessions doing anything for long term? Surely it's about long term change to promote long term health."
I guess it depends if it's delivered with an informative input?

I imagine those who are overweight get fed up of being told they're lazy or to get off their backsides? Having support may provoke the desire to alter aspects of their lives if that's what will help them ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Prevention is better (and sometimes cheaper) than cure."
absolutely, but until supermarkets and food companies are banned from selling toxic products as opposed to selling food, we're faced with a problem that already exists?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

It's a lot less than dealing with the obesity crisis which costs £millions. It's enough sessions to hopefully convince some people that gym's aren't actually that scary

I'd question that it actually costs the NHS anything, I suspect that the gyms do the passes for free to encourage footfall and hopefully get some new members

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

Going private is the one of the best decisions I've made.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

Going private is the one of the best decisions I've made. "

To be fair 1/2 a pint isn't serious as long as you're in relatively good health otherwise.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"But is five free gym sessions doing anything for long term? Surely it's about long term change to promote long term health.

Long term changes have to start somewhere. "

Yes they do, but I don't think five free gym visits are it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

Going private is the one of the best decisions I've made.

To be fair 1/2 a pint isn't serious as long as you're in relatively good health otherwise."

My point was It's serious enough for a doctor in A&E to refer me straight away yet the hospital I needed to go to can decline that.

I'd still be on the NHS waiting list after which would of taken me to almost two and a half months. Before even getting a consultation.

On the plus side I'm on the road to recovery now

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's part of a social prescribing initiative and it's very successful in giving some that extra push they need on the road to a healthy lifestyle...its also used to treat depression for people with certain mental health conditions and gives some a new lease of life helping them to take less medication and in some cases medication free.

It doesn't cost the NHS in monetary terms as it's usually done in conjunction with local authorities, and as they are heading towards integrated working it's actually all money from the same pot.

Its potentially money and life saving so don't knock it as though it's a ridiculous expense...thats what the chief executives are for...

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By *irtyGirlWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

"It's part of a social prescribing initiative and it's very successful in giving some that extra push they need on the road to a healthy lifestyle...its also used to treat depression for people with certain mental health conditions and gives some a new lease of life helping them to take less medication and in some cases medication free.

It doesn't cost the NHS in monetary terms as it's usually done in conjunction with local authorities, and as they are heading towards integrated working it's actually all money from the same pot.

Its potentially money and life saving so don't knock it as though it's a ridiculous expense...thats what the chief executives are for...

In that case great!

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Evidence is there that early intervention is much cheaper than expensive treatment further down the line.

Weight loss isn't the simplest thing to address but fitness is invaluable. It's better to be fitter and healthier but overweight than simply unhealthily overweight.

If I was prescribed something that I could get, say over the counter, or in a way that saved money for the NHS and potentially myself, then I'd do it.

Short GP appointment times often prevent fuller discussion of all options.

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By *entaur_UKMan
over a year ago

Cannock

Sorry but blaming the supermarkets and food companies is a cop out. People should take personal responsibility for their own health.

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

Sorry but blaming the supermarkets and food companies is a cop out. People should take personal responsibility for their own health. "

They should but not everyone does. Not everyone has the skills, knowledge, confidence etc.

People drink, smoke, get on motorbikes, drive cars recklessly, take up extreme sports and any number of other things. Some people eat the wrong things and don't exercise enough.

If you live a totally virtuous life, know everything and know exactly what you need to do to take care of your health then well done. You're a dream citizen and keep up the good work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

Depends how you look at it

If you going for free 5 times motivates you to join and loose weight then yes, as in the long run they will save money from health issues that comes with being over weight

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By *entaur_UKMan
over a year ago

Cannock

Sorry but blaming the supermarkets and food companies is a cop out. People should take personal responsibility for their own health.

They should but not everyone does. Not everyone has the skills, knowledge, confidence etc.

People drink, smoke, get on motorbikes, drive cars recklessly, take up extreme sports and any number of other things. Some people eat the wrong things and don't exercise enough.

If you live a totally virtuous life, know everything and know exactly what you need to do to take care of your health then well done. You're a dream citizen and keep up the good work.

Ooooh look I'm overweight it's all the supermarkets fault for selling me junk food.

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By *uperock99Man
over a year ago

Milton Keynes

I think they should send some people on a luxury holiday, for health reasons of course

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Main problem as I see it is that just going to the gym will achieve very little weight loss unless you get yourself on to a class that motivates but more importantly actually does exercise that burns calories. That combined with some advice on healthy eating which so many people simply don't seem to understand. Diets never work but eating healthy will and just going round on the machines at the gym doesn't burn many calories.

As a side note, if you are overweight and unfit running is an incredibly bad idea. For much of the public running should really be thought of as advanced exercise. Swimming in the other hand is good stuff as is cycling.

Now actual weight loss is entirely hinging on your own motivation. I meet lots of people who don't have the motivation to loose weight or if they do it is very half hearted. It isn't enough and will inevitably end quite quickly. The fact that you had lost 7kg was probably why your GP thought you could actually benefit from the gym sessions.

On a wider societal scale I'm convinced much of the problem with Brits being fat boils down town a really bad food heritage, lack of education and psychological influences with lack of coping strategies. The sedentary life style is the same across much of Europe and isn't unique to Britain. On the other hand arriving chips as a side to pasta is unique to Britain

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Damn autocorrect, I'm sure you can work out what I meant

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think they should send some people on a luxury holiday, for health reasons of course

I'm in need of a bit of that

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By *at69driveMan
over a year ago

Hertford

"So I had my MOT at the dr's the other day.

I'm overweight (tell me something I don't know)

So they are referring me to the local Gym for 5 free sessions.

Is this a good way to spend the NHS budget?"

It seems sensible to encourage people to lose weight . Why would a referral to a gym cost the NHS any money ?

I have never been to a gym in my life as it is possible to get enough exercise by brisk walking . I deliberately walk two miles to work every day and find it very relaxing .

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By *at69driveMan
over a year ago

Hertford

"I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

Going private is the one of the best decisions I've made. "
. I hope you had cover with one of the insurers . One annoying thing about private health cover is that even though you save the NHS money , you are also taxed on it as a benefit in kind .

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By *at69driveMan
over a year ago

Hertford

"Prevention is better (and sometimes cheaper) than cure.absolutely, but until supermarkets and food companies are banned from selling toxic products as opposed to selling food, we're faced with a problem that already exists? "
Why ban supermarkets from selling any type of food?. It is up to people to monitor their diets . Supermarkets have no control over what people eat. A packet of crisos once a week will not do you much harm but eating them daily is undesirable .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

Going private is the one of the best decisions I've made. . I hope you had cover with one of the insurers . One annoying thing about private health cover is that even though you save the NHS money , you are also taxed on it as a benefit in kind . "

I didn't have any cover. We paid for it, and private health insurance wouldn't cover me now as it would be an existing condition.

But waiting on the NHS and being told I'll get an appointment for a consultation within two weeks, then after two weeks it'll be another two week. Then after that two weeks I get...oh it will be the middle of September now. So I went to A&E and got a referral from the doctor there that I needed to be admitted to hospital - this was refused my the surgeon who dealt with the ward I would of been admitted to, because my blood count was too high. Despite continuous internal bleeding for over a month.

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By *or Fox SakeCouple
over a year ago

Thornaby

"The NHS was always designed to prevent illness and promote good health. It's your NHS and your health use or lose both x"

The NHS was not designed to prevent illness and promote good health. It was set up to treat Ill people. Public health was done by local authorities.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sorry but blaming the supermarkets and food companies is a cop out. People should take personal responsibility for their own health.

They should but not everyone does. Not everyone has the skills, knowledge, confidence etc.

People drink, smoke, get on motorbikes, drive cars recklessly, take up extreme sports and any number of other things. Some people eat the wrong things and don't exercise enough.

If you live a totally virtuous life, know everything and know exactly what you need to do to take care of your health then well done. You're a dream citizen and keep up the good work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Pay nurses more!! Plus don't let a nurse pay for their own nursing licence.

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By *ELLONS AND CREAMWoman
over a year ago

stourbridge area

Go for it .... they ask you to pay after the 5 sessions .. I went but didnt enjoy ... but you might like it hun x

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By *at69driveMan
over a year ago

Hertford

"I lost all faith in the NHS when I had a referral from A&E to another hospital refused, apparently I hadn't lost enough blood.....up to half a pint a day for over a month isn't classed as serious.

I didn't have any cover. We paid for it, and private health insurance wouldn't cover me now as it would be an existing condition.

"
. I am glad that you got a prompt resolution. Sorry to hear that you had to fund it yourself . However you health is the most important factor of all in your life .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Exactly this.

Same as the people who "stock up" on paracetamol, co-codamol etc...Love nothing more than dishing it out to anyone with a hint of a headache.

My mum does it and it annoys the shit out of me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If I make love for two to three hours on a warm day I can lose half a stone feel relaxed and in a fantastic mood so ill stick with my way

precisely!

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