can gp prescribe swimming instead of gym?

[whistler]

anyone know please?

Carole

[Hidden]

Hi yes they can depending if it is available in your area. It is in mine but they do it as a course and I have to pay towards it. The only way to find out is to ask your GP or nurse. x

[whistler in reply to Hidden]

Will do. That's hopeful. See what Doc says. Thanks,

[Hidden in reply to whistler]

The other thing you can do is if you want to go swimming and it is not available in your area you can ask them if they will do a reduced rate if you get a doctors letter. Your doctor will only do that if s/he considers you are overweight enough.

A local gym offered to let me use them for only £25 a month instead of £35 on production of a doctors letter. Good luck. x

[Mooskie]

Good question. He might prescribe it, but will the gov't pay for it???

[katieoxo60]

It would be good if swimming could be like Pr, of course not everyone would take up the offer. It is good for the lungs, arthritis, heart and for weight control. Our council used to do a disabled session at the swimming baths once a week at a special rate, but think it has gone now due to cuts and there is talk of closing the main pool in the near future. If you have a passport to leisure it comes at a reduced price, however not everyone is entitled to these passes and not everywhere does such a scheme.

[katieoxo60]

Thanks for that link, it is a good one. I had a referral to a gym by the GP but it did not include swimming although it was under the new government initiative to help keep people well x

[joyce741]

I would love to go swimming but couldn't do it without my oxygen so how would that work as my sats drop to 72 when not on oxygen.

[MarieW-F]

if you can get a swimming referral then do try. I swim about 4 times a week. I love it and its far less stressful on the body than the treadmill.

[whistler]

Yes, Dr CAN prescribe the pool part if you cant do gym. Its a 12 week pass and is free for that time, after which it costs about 23 pounds a month.

Saw Dr today and asked, and its going through, so am very pleased. THankyou to all who replied, xxx

[onamission]

I pay £26.00 per month which is a bit of a rip off because I can only use the pool and that covers the gym which is good if you can use the gym.

GP's in my area do prescribe swimming and gym but you only get about 6 weeks then you have to pay