Publish date: 30 August 2024
Maria O'Brien, West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, recently visited the gym at St Bernard’s Hospital to explore the fitness facilities available to staff and service users.
During her visit, she met with Manoj Gautam, Head of Clinical Exercise and Sport, and Permjit Sahota, Exercise Specialist Manager, to discuss the gym's role in promoting health and wellbeing within the Trust.
The gym, which first received funding in 1996 recently acquired new state-of-the-art fitness and cardio equipment. This fully equipped gym is open to all Trust staff and service users under the care of the Trust and Ealing Hospital.
The gym serves as a key part of the Trust's initiative to promote regular exercise, which has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves mood, and can prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts energy levels and improves sleep quality, contributing to better overall health.
By encouraging participation in structured exercise and sports activities, the Sports and Exercise Team aims to support the wellbeing and vocational training of both staff and service users, creating a healthier, more engaged community within the Trust.
Maria said:
The gym is equipped with fantastic, state-of-the-art equipment, and it is great to see such a variety of classes being offered. It is clear that these facilities are making a real difference in promoting health and wellbeing for both staff and service users.
Moving forward, the Clinical Exercise and Sports Team Strategy 2024-2027 aims to improve the health and wellbeing of staff and service users through structured exercise and sports activities.
The strategy focuses on providing tailored fitness programmes to improve physical and mental health outcomes. It aligns with national policies and promotes a culture of wellbeing by reducing health inequalities and supporting recovery. This approach includes collaboration with healthcare professionals and stakeholders to make sure the effective delivery and continuous improvement of services.
Maria’s visit underscores the Trust's commitment to health and wellness, recognising the vital role that physical fitness plays in maintaining a healthy body and mind.