Newbury GP's health scheme to be launched in London boroughs

However, Dr William Bird’s innovative programme does not involve lots of technology or scientific research – just physical activity.
Dr Bird, who is based part-time at West Berkshire Community Hospital, is known for his work with the health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle.
His trial works on the basis that physical activity is the best cure for ailments and diseases, even serious ones such as cancer.
He said that it had been proven that 27 conditions could either be improved, prevented or treated by simply increasing physical activity, and that 60 per cent of dementia patients showed improvements too.
The activity involved could be something as simple as a walk.
According to NHS Berkshire figures, there is a slightly higher percentage of obese people in West Berkshire (23.7 per cent) than in neighbouring Reading (21.9 per cent) or Wokingham (20.2 per cent).
Dr Bird said: “All around the country people are struggling with this problem. It is unbelievable how walking can change someone’s outcome.
“The big myth about physical exercise is that it needs to be uncomfortable or in a gym, but you don’t need anything like that.
“Physical exercise is more important than any other factor.”
This is why, he said, NHS Berkshire had asked him to launch an educational programme across West Berkshire.
Trials for his programme started last Christmas at six West Berkshire GP surgeries including Hungerford Surgery, Lambourn Surgery, St Mary’s Surgery, Chapel Row, Thatcham Medical Practice and Northcroft Surgery.
The programme encourages people to understand why they are unmotivated with a series of interviews and sessions – the theory being that they will eventually be able to help themselves.
Dr Bird said: “We are doing it this way so that patients do something about it themselves.”
The programme will then encourage people to take part in activities that they enjoy, so that they will be motivated to continue after the programme is over.
Dr Bird said: “If it’s something people want to do, it’s something they will carry on doing. The evidence is very strong about it.”
He that the programme was being implemented in London because GPs there had recognised its worth.
“We found a huge response of people wanting to do it. It shows that the message is getting through – it’s an innovation and it started in Newbury.”