To feel upset and pissed off by this impossible NHS gym referral scheme?

[LonesomeDove]

I have anxiety, so I am bearing in mind that I'm maybe blowing this out of proportion, so thoughts are welcome.

I got a referral letter from my GP for a local gym because of anxiety and also high cholesterol. Problem is, at the minute I wouldn't have the £6 needed to go twice to the gym (work part time atm) but with a bit of luck I should be going full time at work in about a fortnight and the gym is something I want to prioritize with my extra money.

So I called the gym today and asked for an induction. There's a cancellation today, so I was delighted and went over. They photocopied my GP letter and I started the induction, then suddenly the instructor stopped when he realised I was on the GP referral scheme and said he wasn't qualified, it had to be another instructor. Ok, I said. Then the staff member at reception handed me another form and said it needs to be filled out by the GP, my letter won't do. Once I get that back from GP I can book in with specialist instructor, and I have to do six sessions with her. But she only does sessions on Tuesday and Thursday between 8 and 4.

This means now I have the money to do the GP referral scheme I won't be able to do it. Because I'll be at work. I asked how people are meant to do it if they work full time, and the person behind the desk said 'oh take time off, if it's for your health..' and shrugged her shoulders.

I am fucking pissed off. As if I can start a new job and ask if I can start an hour late to go to the fucking gym. So frustrated. This just makes it inaccessible for people who work full time :( and I don't have the money for their extortionate regular membership. I wanted to use the gym to build confidence to run outside, I really am not at the place where I can start running outside yet.

It just seems if you are poor to begin with and have health difficulties everything is a catch 22.

[wishingchair]

DH goes to the leisure centre and is in the gym. He meets the specialist trainer there and they put him through the exercises he needs as a result of his condition. He's knackered when he comes home. No sauna and no pool

[whatever5]

I have just realised that I would be eligible for a GP referral but in my area you don't get a discount for the gym/leisure centre. It seems a bit pointless and I doubt that the scheme is very popular.

[FaceDirectionOfTravel]

Our local exercise referral is to classes that run 2 til 4 pm, effectively cutting out those who have to do the school run. Lovely.

[happygirl87]

OP I sympathise- had a serious injury plus surgery which lead to 2yrs plus of pain- when my referral for specialist physio eventually came through it coincided with starting a new job. I told my line manager that I had these appts booked for one morning per week for the first four weeks of new job, and asked if I could make up the time later that day/ over the week- and they were fine with it. You can only ask, and esp as it will only effect 6 working days they might be fine. Good luck!