GP referral at fitness centre

There are plans to widen the reach across the community over the coming months to cover Battle, Catsfield and surrounding areas.

The Oasis Programme helps to encourage people to be comfortable with the idea of exercise and aid in rehabilitation after illness or injury.

Specialised staff develop a programme that matches personal aims and abilities. Working with close guidance from their medical practitioners, members of the Freedomleisure team develop the programme to ensure maximum benefits.

Participants will be assessed mid-way through and at the end of their referral; a final report will also be compiled for their doctor. Trained staff are always available for guidance until exercise becomes a matter of habit and fun.

Freedomleisure offers referral clients concessionary rates for the programme which is a ten week course with the patient attending twice a week, the programme includes an introductory session tailored to the individuals needs and ability.

Jane Fletcher , Bexhill's Oasis trained instructor "We work closely with the Primary Care Trusts and have seen great benefits and excellent results from our GP Referral scheme at our other leisure centres in Crowborough, Hailsham and Hastings. We are keen to offer this additional service to our local community in Bexhill. Any patient who thinks they could benefit from gentle, progressive exercise to improve their health should make initial enquiries through their medical practice."

Freedomleisure manages 13 leisure and fitness centres across Sussex and is the largest provider of community leisure in the area. Its range of facilities across the county include gyms, swimming pools, exercise studios and health suites, freedom cafes, crches, soft play facilities and 10 pin bowling at Hailsham. Membership or pay and play are available at all centres.

Freedomleisure Bexhill Leisure Centre has a gym and gym xtra, around 23 exercise classes per week, a sports hall , squash courts, a health suite and training/function rooms available to members and non- members.