NHS University Plymouth Hospital physiotherapy collaboration with Plymouth Active

Plymouth Life Centre provides excellent facilities, improved accessibility, and greater convenience for those attending their rehabilitation sessions.

Importantly, this partnership will also introduce many individuals to the leisure centre, encouraging them to continue using its facilities after completing their physiotherapy programme. This ongoing engagement will support long-term health, physical activity, and overall wellbeing.

The physiotherapy team is facing increasing demand for hip and knee rehabilitation, but with limited clinical space and a gym facility that is becoming tired and overused. As a result, it was no longer providing the optimal environment for participant engagement or high-quality rehabilitation.

NHS staff also found that there were several challenges for individuals around accessibility. Although University Plymouth Hospital (UHP) NHS Trust is a large site with extensive parking, individuals with MSK conditions often reported difficulties getting from the car parks to the relevant wards. In addition, car park costs were frequently mentioned as a deterrent for many patients.

The second challenge was finding a way to support individuals in sustaining their physical activity and rehabilitation after the initial intervention. We also needed to ensure they were able to work towards meeting the physical activity guidelines recommended by the chief medical officer.

The solution emerged when both parties recognised that change was necessary. Supported by the new NHS ten-year plan and its emphasis on bringing more services into the community, it became clear that a new approach was needed. Relocating the hip and knee team to Plymouth Life Centre for two days a week proved to be the ideal step forward.

Over the past year, we have made significant enhancements to our facilities. Our gym has undergone a complete refurbishment and is now equipped with the latest technology, including the introduction of EGYM—smart strength technology that delivers personalised training plans and integrated data tracking within a welcoming and accessible environment. We have also converted one studio into our Hy-NRG studio, offering a wide range of functional training tools, and transformed a former gym office into a dedicated assessment room. All these facilities are now available to physiotherapists, enabling them to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.

This partnership supports de-hospitalisation, offering care in a non-clinical, community setting that helps normalise rehabilitation and enhance patient comfort. Plymouth Life Centre’s central accessibility ensures it is convenient for Plymouth’s diverse population, promoting access to care, while free and low-stress parking removes a common barrier that often prevents individuals from attending healthcare appointments. The welcoming and inclusive environment further supports mental well-being, social connection, and a sense of belonging.

Importantly, the integration of physiotherapy within a leisure setting introduces individuals—many of whom may never have visited a gym before—to a modern, community-based facility. Through exposure to modern equipment, varied training spaces, and supportive staff, patients can explore safe and engaging rehabilitation options. This not only enhances outcomes during the five-week programme but also builds a connection to long-term activity, encouraging sustained participation in exercise and promoting positive behaviour change well beyond their clinical discharge.

To date, six programmes have been successfully delivered, engaging a total of 53 participants. Of these, 5 per cent were aged 65 years and over, and 38 per cent were classified as inactive at the start of the programme. Notably, 26 per cent of participants chose to continue their physical activity and wellbeing journey after completing the programme by taking up the Active Pathway Membership offer. These figures highlight the growing impact of our partnership with UHP NHS Trust and demonstrate the value of delivering rehabilitation in a community-focused setting like the Plymouth Life Centre.

Delivering care in a non-clinical, community environment continues to improve patient experience, engagement, and confidence. For example, one participant with multiple sclerosis was unable to walk upstairs at the start of the programme. She now walks up several sets of stairs twice a week at Plymouth Life Centre—a remarkable improvement that underscores the effectiveness of combining physiotherapy with accessible community facilities.

The 26 per cent uptake of the Active Pathway Membership demonstrates that the programme successfully motivates individuals to continue engaging in physical activity beyond the initial rehabilitation period.

At Plymouth Active - the council’s in-house-run leisure centre, there is no reason to change the approach that has been adopted, as it aligns closely with the NHS Long Term Plan and Plymouth Active’s vision of encouraging the people of Plymouth to become active and to stay active.

A further positive development is that Plymouth Active staff now can actively support programme delivery. NHS staff have allocated dedicated time to mentor and support them through practical delivery. This approach not only enhances the continuing professional development and progression of Plymouth Active staff but also strengthens collaboration between both organisations, fostering shared expertise and a more integrated approach to patient care.

We are still in the early stages of this innovative project, with no fixed end date, and plan to continue the programme well into the future. One adjustment made during the initial phase was relocating the space used for the educational element. The sessions are now delivered in our swim competition room, which provides access to a large screen TV and projector, improving visibility and ease of delivery for participants. This change has enhanced the learning experience and demonstrates the importance of flexibility in programme implementation.

William Hickey – Active Health Manager

[email protected]