GET active and move more.

That is the advice from staff at Gillingham Surgery, who know how important it is to be physically active.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) were so impressed by the commitment of staff to move more and encourage their patients to do the same that the surgery can now call itself an Active Practice – the only practice in north Dorset with the accolade.

The surgery hammers home the advice that being physically active reduces the onset of long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and high blood pressure.

Dr Kathryn Mounde, clinical director, said: “We are delighted to be nominated as an Active Practice which supports our staff and patients to become more active.”

RiversMeet – the community-owned leisure centre – hosts a variety of exercise classes and activities for all and has teamed up with Gillingham Medical Practice to offer special membership to those looking to boost their health.

The centre has developed a Doctors Referral Scheme – a low-cost membership to access exercises classes, the gym and swimming pool.

Those who take up the membership will be given an induction programme and regular support.

Lynsey Pledger, fitness manager and GP referral coordinator at RiversMeet, said: “We love to welcome patients into the centre on the GP referral scheme and to see the improvement that regular exercise can make to their wellbeing.”

If you are interested in a doctor’s referral, speak to the social prescribing team at Gillingham Medical Practice on 01747 834337, or email gillingham.socialprescribing@nhs.net.