Leeds GP Confederation: September Newsletter
As part of the Healthy Working Life Programme, we are delighted to be working with the Specialist Weight Management Team from Leeds Community NHS Trust and three primary care networks (PCNs) in Leeds; Crossgates, Burmantofts, Harehills and Richmond Hill (BHR), and Beeston, to welcome the first patients to the pilot of a brand-new Primary Care Weight Management Service, designed specifically with our population in mind. The weight management programmes in each PCN are deploying a holistic, culturally sensitive approach and we are looking forward to evaluating the feasibility of primary care delivered weight management services.
Patients selected for the pilots have to meet specific criteria and once enrolled on the programmes, will receive access to injectables weight management medications along with wrap around support packages which include practical nutrition and lifestyle sessions, physical activity workshops (including yoga and cultural dance in BHR PCN), and regular check-ins with the clinical team.
For many in our community, barriers like travel, cost-of-living pressures, language, and digital exclusion can make services hard to access. This programme is designed to break down those barriers and meet people where they are – improving health outcomes and tackling inequalities head-on.
This is an exciting opportunity for providers to come together and transform weight management support in primary care — and we can’t wait to see the impact.
We’re excited to share that a brand-new digital tool, getUBetter, is launching on 1st October to help patients across Leeds manage their muscle and joint problems at home.
Designed by clinicians, including GPs, physios and orthopaedic consultants, getUBetter is free for anyone aged 18+ who is registered with a Leeds GP. It covers everything from back, neck and shoulder pain to sprains, strains, and tendon issues, offering step-by-step recovery guidance.
Patients receive personalised advice based on how they’re feeling, daily exercises tailored to their stage of recovery, and clear information on when to seek further help.
The new app will launch in October and GPs will be able to easily signpost patients.
Patients can self-refer via the practice website, scan QR codes on posters/leaflets, or download the app from their usual app store.
This is a simple, safe way to empower patients, reduce unnecessary appointments, and support better self-management across Leeds.
Suitable for both clinical and non-clinical staff within Leeds general practice.
This month, in line with our training spotlight, we wanted to shout out to our trainer Helen Westmancoat who always gets 5*s for her Basic Life Support training; a fantastic achievement, so well done Helen!
