Bury Exercise and Therapy Scheme (BEATS)

What is BEATS?

BEATS is an exercise referral scheme for people registered with a GP in the Borough of Bury. It is a partnership between NHS Bury and Bury Council Leisure Services. GPs, Practice Nurses and specialist health professionals within Bury refer suitable patients to join the BEATS programme. Patients referred to BEATS get advice and support on how to improve general health and well being through physical activity, and are given the right to use Bury's safe and attractive exercise facilities at discounted prices. BEATS is a free service and is able to offer discounted rates at Castle Leisure Centre, Radcliffe Pool & Fitness Centre and Ramsbottom Pool & Fitness Centre. Discounts vary from 33% to 50% on standard admission prices, depending on the activity.

About our sports centres

The following facilities are available at each of the main centres.

Castle Leisure Centre: 25m swimming pool, Teaching pool, Fitness suite/gym, Toning Chairs, Fitness studios
Ramsbottom Pool & Fitness Centres: Swimming pool, Fitness suite/gym
Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre: Swimming pool, Teaching pool, Fitness suite/gym

Your questions answered

Which specialist health services can refer into BEATS?

Cardiac Rehab, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder), Diabetes Nurses, Dietetics, Falls Prevention team, Health Visitors, Mental Health Team, Physiotherapists, Podiatry, Rheumatology and Spinal Rehab.

Who is BEATS for?

BEATS is intended for people who:

• are over the age of 16;
• have a recurring illness or medical condition (such as diabetes, obesity or a heart condition);
• currently don't take part in enough physical activity to benefit their health;
• would benefit from a 12-month personal exercise programme.

What are the benefits of BEATS?

Physical activity has a key role to play in improving health and wellbeing. Participating in our exercise programmes can lead to the following benefits.

• Improved circulatory system, including heart and lungs
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Controlled blood pressure
• Controlled cholesterol levels in your blood
• Increased muscular and bone strength
• Improved mobility
• Reduced stress and depression
• Improved confidence
• Increased social outlets
• More energy
• Better control of body weight
• Improved quality of life

How can I get access to BEATS?

If you think you may be eligible for a referral to BEATS you should discuss this with your GP, Practice Nurse or specialist health professional .

Your GP, Practice Nurse or specialist health professional refers you directly to BEATS for regular consultations, supporting information and monitoring of your progress with the BEATS Exercise Referral Officers.

A referral letter will be provided from the medical professional and you will be required to telephone the BEATS office.

After you have contacted the BEATS office you will be placed on a waiting list for an appointment. Please note: waiting times can be different and we cannot give priority appointments.

What will happen at the meeting with the Exercise Referral Officer?

At the first meeting you must hand over the referral form given to you and a list of any medications you are currently taking. The Exercise Referral Officer will discuss your exercise preferences, goals and brief medical/lifestyle history. Using this information, advice on basic health checks, suitable types of exercise and where and when you can take part in these activities will be discussed. Using the information gathered a twelve-week personal exercise programme will be drawn-up to help you start a more active lifestyle. After twelve weeks this will be developed into a further nine-month programme and monitoring period with your Exercise Referral Officer. This first meeting will last about one hour.

Where are the meetings held?

Meetings with the Exercise Referral Officer take place at the following.

• Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury BL9 0EZ;
• Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, 69 Church St West, Radcliffe, M26 2SP;
• Ramsbottom Health Centre, Carr Street, Ramsbottom BL0 9DD; or
• Whittaker Lane Medical Centre, Whittaker Lane, Prestwich, M25 1EX.

What happens during the 12 month programme?

You will be required to attend meetings with the Exercise Referral officer after six weeks of exercise and again at the week twelve, month seven and month twelve stages. At these meetings the Exercise Referral Officer will review your personal exercise programme, health checks, progress and discuss future goals.

What happens at the end of the programme?

At the end of the twelve week programme, BEATS clients are offered Bury Leisure active lifestyle discount card for nine months or they are able to continue paying discounted prices as they attend Bury's leisure facilities. Also, the Exercise Referral Officer will provide a report to your referrer to update them on progress over the twelve week period.

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