Sports Injuries Shown The Red Card, UK

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 22 Feb 2005 - 20:00 PST


Tennis elbow and cauliflower ear are being shown the red card thanks to a new medical discipline announced today by UK Secretary of State John Reid.

A new breed of doctors trained in all aspects of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) will be helping to keep the nation on target to be fit, healthy and active as soon as 2006.

The NHS doctors will not only treat sports injuries but also help prevent injuries, meaning that the age-old 'sickie' excuse of pulling a ligament could prove an own goal in the believability stakes.

Everyone from reluctant keep-fitters to the nation's Olympic team will have access to the doctors, who will work not only in hospitals but also with schools, community groups and professional sports clubs.

Health Secretary John Reid said:

"We are committed to making sure that the public is not only fit, active and healthy but has access to the right healthcare provision to support their lifestyle - we want to make the NHS a not just a sickness service but a keep well service for patients and public.

"By establishing the specialty of Sports and Exercise Medicine we are proving our dedication not only to supporting an active lifestyle but to raising the profile of the benefits of healthy living."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn said:

"Up to now many young British doctors who have wanted to concentrate on sport and exercise have moved abroad and often stayed abroad, leading to a 'brain drain' of experts in this important field. With this speciality now available in the UK, the effect will be wide ranging.

"From treating injuries to our top line sports stars to improving the health of the general public, SEM doctors will be a part of the daily lives of many different people.

"Research shows that if we can increase adult physical activity by as little as 10% we could prevent 6,000 premature deaths a year. SEM doctors will play a big part helping us hit this target."

Doctors wishing to become a specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine will have to undertake a competency based training programme. They will have to prove their ability to treat sporting injuries like a shattered metatarsal that kept top footballers out of action last year.

This new emphasis on Sport and Exercise medicine reflects the aims of the Public Health White Paper to promote physical activity as a means of reducing the risk of major chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Disabled people and those suffering from long-term conditions such as arthritis who traditionally find it difficult to exercise will be able to use the expertise of Sports and Exercise doctors to allow them to increase their activity levels.

The new speciality re-enforces the government's commitment to backing the London 2012 Olympic bid.

Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson said:

"These NHS doctors will not only treat sports injuries but also look to improve the general health of the nation - setting exercise regimes and tackling the growing problem of obesity in children.

"However, if London hosts the Olympics in 2012 then I have no doubt that the SEM doctors of the NHS would be on hand to offer treatment, advice and support to thousands of elite athletes and also spectators."

Notes to editors:

- Common sporting injuries include ligament damage, metatarsal damage, Achilles heel, back injuries, hamstring strains, sprained ankles, cramps and knee injuries

- In 2002 around 700,000 people attended A&E departments in the UK following a sporting injury. (Source: Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (DTI))

- The Public Health White Paper was published on 16th November 2004 and included the commitment to work with the NHS, Sport England, British Olympic Association, Greater London Authority and London 2012 Ltd to make clear the beneficial effects for Londoners and the rest of the country of increased physical activity. (Ch4 para 49)

- Three-year training placements in Sports and Exercise Medicine will begin to be offered to doctors in training later this year

- We will build up the numbers gradually according to the demand from the NHS as they design new services in the light of the new opportunities created by this new specialty

- As qualification will depend upon demonstrating capability in core skills fully qualified doctors with interests in this area could be assessed and awarded their qualification as soon as 2006. A number of doctors already skilled in this area may also be eligible to be recognised formally as specialists as early as 2006

- The establishment of a Sports and Exercise Medicine Specialty was given the go-ahead after consultation with many interested parties including The Royal Colleges of Surgeons and the Council of Head of Medical Schools

- Money for training Sports and Exercise Medicine doctors will be available from the existing budget for post-graduate doctor training



- For media enquiries only please call Sally Aldous at Department of Health on 020 7210 5230. GNNREF: 111099
Issued by : DOH Press Office

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