On-Site Pilates

Following a successful pilot of on-site physiotherapy-led pilates at the QE Hospital, regular paid sessions now take place on-site twice per week.

Pilates is a form of exercise that promotes strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness and endurance. It focuses on precision and control of movement through a variety of exercises, including stability at the central core. The majority of the sessions are based around mat work with exercises also done in standing positions. Exercises can be varied depending on your ability and any musculoskeletal injuries you’re managing.

Ann-Marie Ginnever and Kate Graham are both musculoskeletal physiotherapists employed by Gateshead Health and working in Outpatients Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, particularly in the management of upper limb conditions. Both are fully qualified in teaching Pilates and have completed the APPI (Australian, Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute) course, teaching their method. As the duo are teaching Pilates within the context of improving health and wellbeing, their classes are titled ‘Physiotherapy-Led Pilates’.

Two weekly classess take place from 5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing colleagues with the opportunity to sign up to 4-week programmes hosted by two qualified instructors. Those interested in joining a programme or finding out more can register your interest via [email protected].

Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a cost of £20 to access the four-week programme, payable in cash at the first session. Those who are unable to make a certain date during the four-weeks can switch day (eg from Tuesday to Thursday), but no refunds will be available for missed classes.

Yoga with Sal

During the pandemic the Trust partnered with local yoga provider Yoga with Sal.

Since, Yoga with Sal has been the health and wellbeing team’s primary recommendation for colleagues who enjoy attending yoga. Many colleagues still attend Sal’s sessions, with different sessions available for all levels of experience.

Sessions generally cost £5 and take place via Microsoft Teams. To find out more about them and when they take place, click the button below.

NHS North East Wellbeing and Outdoor Activity Group

The NHS North East Wellbeing and Outdoor Activity Group was founded by Gateshead Health colleague Fior Sayer, and regularly host activities including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, swimming challenges, beach get togethers, camping trips and much more.

To learn more about the group, which was initially founded for Gateshead Health staff but has now expanded to welcome all NHS colleagues from throughout the North East, visit their Facebook page via the button below.

Football

The health and wellbeing team is currently organising an 8-team five-a-side football tournament for September. To express your interest in registering a team for the event, please email us.

To further promote physical activity within the Trust, the health and wellbeing team would also love to hear from anyone interested in taking the lead in organising and arranging a weekly six-a-side. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch via the button below.