Sarah Tamplin and Janet Bower
Hywel Dda University Health Board
When the NHS was established over 70 years ago, the prevalent health issues were vastly different from those we face today. While life expectancy has significantly increased, the primary health challenges have shifted from acute conditions like childbirth complications and accidents to chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. Currently, two-thirds of adults in the UK are above a healthy weight and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and preventable cancers are now the most pressing issues for the NHS. Addressing these conditions effectively is crucial to alleviating the immense pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system. Our collective modern lifestyle profoundly impacts both our short-term and long-term health.
The first phase of this project sought to test a model of practice which included education, group coaching and workshops over a six-week programme to address health challenges and support people to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Having successfully evaluated the pilot, phase 2 aims to prepare and establish a long-term version of this initiative.
Building on the outcome of the pilot, the second phase will allow for more time for planning, a longer 9-week programme, as well as a clinical component supported by a GP and nurse. This will complement the original format to provide a more robust programme of support through pre-engagement and activation both before the programme starts and as part of structured follow up.
This clinic will continue to work in collaboration with medical professionals, health coaches, leisure centres, arts in health, PAVS and many more sectors with an inclusive approach to recruitment, inviting referrals, including self-referrals, from anyone wanting to make a health positive lifestyle change.
