West Street Surgery has proudly become the first GP practice in Central Bedfordshire to achieve recognition as an Active Practice, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to improving patient health and wellbeing. The practice has been awarded the prestigious Active Practice Charter, an accolade supported by organisations such as Sport England and the Royal College of General Practitioners.
This achievement reflects the practice’s dedication to embedding physical activity into everyday healthcare. By meeting the standards of the Active Practice Charter, West Street Surgery has demonstrated that it actively encourages both staff and patients to incorporate movement into their daily routines. This includes promoting simple, accessible activities such as walking, cycling, and strength exercises, which are proven to support both physical and mental health.
Even more exciting is that we have partnered with Active Lifestyles, Central Bedfordshire Council and launched West Street Surgery Wellness, a series of active lifestyle programmes tailored to meet the needs of our patients.
Becoming an Active Practice also means that healthcare professionals at the surgery are equipped with the tools, training, and confidence to have meaningful conversations with patients about the benefits of staying active. These conversations can play a vital role in the prevention and management of long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
In addition, the practice fosters a culture of wellbeing within its own team, recognising that healthy staff are better able to support healthy communities. Initiatives may include active breaks, walking meetings, and workplace challenges that encourage movement throughout the day.
As the first practice in Central Bedfordshire to receive this recognition, West Street Surgery is leading by example and helping to set a standard for others to follow. Its achievement highlights the growing importance of physical activity in primary care and reinforces the role of GP practices as key contributors to community health beyond traditional medical treatment.