Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 March 2005. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Friday, 18 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what evaluation his Department carries out of the efficacy of fitness programmes for patients referred at primary care level by the NHS.

Answer: Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation his Department carries out of the efficacy of fitness programmes for patients referred at primary care level by the NHS. [221645] Miss Melanie Johnson: Fitness programmes for patients referred at primary care level by the national health service are subject to local evaluation. The Healthcare Commission assesses the performance of primary care trusts in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The Department periodically commissions reviews of best practice in the promotion of physical activity, including review-level research into the effectiveness of exercise referral schemes. The Health Development Agency has recently produced an updated evidence briefing on the effectiveness of public health interventions for increasing physical activity among adults and is preparing a briefing on the promotion of physical activity aimed at professionals in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. "Choosing Activity: a physical activity action plan", includes a commitment for production of specific guidelines for children's exercise referral.

Secondary information