The Physical Activity Prescription (PAP) initiative across South Lanarkshire is helping NHS Lanarkshire to tackle health inequalities and support local residents experiencing a number of health related conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, as well as mild to moderate mental health conditions. The PAP initiative, funded by NHS Lanarkshire’s health improvement department, is facilitated by the South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) health development team.

PAP takes the preventative approach to address mental ill-health and related health conditions. It is a great way of engaging the community in regular physical activity that can provide both physical and psychological health benefits.

David Inglis, health improvement senior, Clydesdale locality, and his team, in collaboration with Ryan Gilmour from SLLC, have worked tirelessly to promote the uptake of PAP by working with colleagues at SLLC and other statutory and third sector organisations.

David explained: “PAP is a great tool that enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of non-clinical services within the local community. The programme recognises that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors and aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health and well-being.”

In the Clydesdale locality, all GP practices are taking part in the PAP scheme to encourage patients to exercise and enjoy the benefits of active health classes.  GPs and nursing staff at High Mill Medical Practice in Carluke have reported seeing very positive results such as:

• improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and weight loss;
• improvements in mood, confidence, self-esteem and general well-being;
• improvements in mobility, especially patients with long-term chronic conditions;
• improvements in symptoms of anxiety.

Dr Steven Zonfrillo said: “PAP has been a great tool that our practice nurse has used with our diabetic patients as it allows them to take some responsibility for managing their condition. Making use of resources locally means that, hopefully, more investment and opportunities may arise in the future.”

For more information, contact Anila Ansari, health improvement practitioner, on 07976704169 or email anila.ansari@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk