Health Quest is an exercise referral scheme delivered by CNBC in partnership with 12 of the 13 GP surgeries in the Borough with additional referral sources including, MCHT, (Leighton Hospital), Cheshire County Council Social Services, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust, Crewe and Nantwich Physiotherapy Clinic.

Clients receive a consultation, a personalised exercise programme and free access to facilities for 10 weeks, followed by a further 10 weeks at half price

The scheme started initially with a focus on risk factors for CHD as its main referral criteria and although that criteria list has since expanded substantially. Obesity is currently the most common referral reason with hypertension second. The scheme is partly funded by Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust.

There are Service Level Agreements in place between CNBC and all referring agencies outlining the respective responsibilities of all parties

This programme is run in conjunction with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Leighton Hospital and targets clients who are recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery.

Clients complete 3 phases of a cardiac rehabilitation programme at Leighton Hospital, and the Phase IV element provided by the Borough Council encourages them to maintain those lifestyle changes which are necessary for them to continue in good health.

The programme essentially provides 9 weekly low intensity gym-based circuit training sessions in a safe and sociable setting, which allows clients to rebuild their confidence with regard to exercising. The class is very similar to the one provided in the hospital as part of the Phase III stage. Clients also receive information about exercising in general and may access other Council facilities at a reduced rate.

Many clients use the service as a stepping-stone to move on to independent exercising, whilst a large number continue to attend for months and years.  The programme is funded through client fees and support from MCHT.

The Healthy Living – Healthy Me project is delivered in partnership with Cheshire Wirral and Partnership Trust (CWPNT) covering a range of health issues for clients with learning disabilities - physical activity element of this educational programme has been provided by CNBC health team. The evaluations of the project have been excellent and the programme will now be extended to other appropriate client groups. Colleagues from both the council and the trust also jointly produced a “How can you be healthy?” leaflet providing healthy living advice and contact information for local people with learning disabilities. More recently, another initiative has commenced with LD clients undertaking weekly supervised exercise at the Barony Gym.