A new report shows that scaling exercise-based rehab programmes across the country could unlock £34 billion.
Expanding access to free structured exercise programmes nationally could deliver £34 billion in social value. That would be reflected in £18 billion of benefits of improved health, £13 billion of benefits to relatives and carers, a £3 billion boost to the economy and £230 million in direct savings for the NHS.
The figures come from researchers at Nuffield Health, Manchester Metropolitan University and Frontier Economics who have looked at the impact of Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme, which uses structured exercise to support people living with musculoskeletal and pain conditions.
Last year, more than 12,000 people took part in the programme, with the vast majority reporting a significant improvement in their pain levels and quality of life. This led to 86,000 fewer sick days and avoided 31,000 GP appointments over the course of the year.
“Our analysis shows the huge potential of structured exercise to transform how we manage and treat long-term conditions,” said Tim Cable, director of the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University.
“If scaled, the benefits could be enormous: improving lives, reducing demand on the NHS, and unlocking billions more in social and economic value,” he continued.
Free places
It is estimated that in Greater Manchester alone, scaling these programmes could boost the local economy by £1.7 billion in social value. Nearly 516,000 adults in the region live with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and back pain. Yet more than two-thirds don’t have a care plan. That means hundreds of thousands could be struggling to work, care for family, or even manage daily tasks without help.
Researchers reckoned that scaling this programme across Greater Manchester could save 900,000 sick days and avoid the need for 250,000 GP appointments each year, and give 3,000 people across Manchester the opportunity to return to work.
Access to the programme will initially be through referrals from a local GP, pharmacist or another healthcare professional. The programme is available to people living with health conditions and experiencing chronic pain, long-term fatigue, or breathlessness.
The programme, which is already live in 11 locations, will be scaled to offer 50,000 free places nationwide each year by 2027.
“By making [the programme] free and widely available, we’re helping people to significantly reduce their pain, regain independence and get back to the things they love while supporting the NHS,” said Davina Deniszczyc, medical director at Nuffield Health.
