NHS England publishes position statement on physical activity

NHS England has published a new position statement on physical activity.

In the document, called Harnessing the benefits of physical activity, NHS England outlines how physical activity is “essential to health and wellbeing”, while accepting that many people “do not receive the support they need to stay active”.

“There is overwhelming evidence that the benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks, for both adults and children and even for those with health conditions,” the statement says.

“Embedding physical activity into every aspect of life-long healthcare will benefit patients, NHS staff and the wider population.”

The statement also highlights how unlocking the potential of physical activity will require healthcare leaders to be “much more ambitious”, incorporating promotion of physical activity into wider plans on prevention and long-term conditions management.

The statement highlights how unlocking the potential of physical activity will require healthcare leaders to be “much more ambitious”

It identifies four ways in which the NHS will aim to achieve this.

These include empowering health and care professionals and to equip them with the skills and confidence to discuss the importance of taking up appropriate physical activity with patients who have health conditions.

The others are to integrate physical activity into clinical pathways, support the NHS workforce by holistically promoting physical activity and to increase collaboration between the NHS and the physical activity sector.

Sport England’s outgoing CEO, Tim Hollingsworth, said the publication of the NHS England Position Statement was a “very welcome and important moment.”