Calls for ExWell chronic illness exercise program to be funded

THE benefits of a community-based supervised exercise class for people with different long-term illnesses has been hailed this week, as participants appeal for the programme to be funded.

ExWell Medical is a chronic illness rehabilitation programme that provides a friendly, safe and accessible environment for people to exercise in.

An independent, social enterprise that is based at a number of locations nationwide, ExWell Medical is a referral-based program that was being delivered for free in Citywest over the past year.

The Echo understands that ExWell Medical at the Citywest convention centre was set up as part of the HSE’s Covid management plan and included full funding for participants.

However, as the HSE moves on from the Citywest complex, so too does ExWell Medical, which is relocating to the Tallaght and Clondalkin leisure centres from Monday, February 28.

HSE funding to the programme has also ceased, with participants being informed this week that each class will cost €10.

Dick Payne and his wife Marguerite have both been attending ExWell in Citywest every Tuesday and Thursday.

“We go twice a week to 45-minute classes and it’s absolutely fantastic,” Dick told The Echo.

“I have chronic back pain and my knees are very bad, but I walk out of there a different person, it’s unbelievable really.

“There’s a doctor on hand, physios and all of the instructors are qualified to look after everyone.

“There must be between 50 and 60 people in each of our classes.”

Alongside the physical benefits of the programme, Dick stressed how important ExWell is for people’s mental health and confidence – with many friendships being made along the way.

“This programme keeps people moving, mobile and out of hospital…it’s a very important facility,” Dick said.

“For me and Marguerite, there’s no way we could manage €40 a week, we’re two pensioners.”

Living in Fettercairn, Carmel Adamson (56) recently started ExWell Medical in Citywest.

Recovering from a serious back injury, Carmel described the program as “absolutely brilliant”, and an accessible way for her to use and strengthen her muscles as she awaits an appointment with a pain specialist.

“I’ve been waiting a year to see a pain specialist,” Carmel, who was referred to ExWell by her physiotherapist, said.

“ExWell is keeping me going, strengthening me physically and helping my mental health.

“I have chronic back pain, but since going to ExWell I am moving a lot better.”

Attending ExWell two days a week, Carmel added: “Whatever about me, I felt so much for the older people using the service [when they heard about the €10 per class], it’s definitely not an option for them.”

Participants of the Citywest class, which were recently visited by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, are this week appealing to the HSE to continue funding the programme.

According to Dick, it makes sense for the program to receive funding due to the benefits it has for participants, including the long-term role it plays in supporting people to stay out of hospital.

When contacted by The Echo, the HSE said it “does not have a formal contractual or funding arrangements for the provision of services with ExWell Medical”.

A HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE works with the network of Local Sports Partnerships across the country to promote participation in health enhancing physical activity and increase opportunities for participation in recreational physical activity and community sport.

“Where medically led and supervised rehabilitation is part of the care pathway for patients, individual clinical services may make arrangements with external providers for provision of same.”

Further details on ExWell classes can be found at exwellmedical.ie