HEALTH & FITNESS NHS: Lose weight before surgery


NHS patients in Devon are to be required to undergo weight management courses before they are eligible to receive routine surgical procedures. The Northern, Eastern


and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) announced the measures as it battles an annual budget deficit of £14.5m. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 (classed as morbidly obese) will be required to bring their BMI below this threshold or lose five per cent of their weight before planned surgery, whichever is the lesser weight loss. The move will apply to routine surgical


procedures, however, surgery that is deemed urgent or immediately necessary, such as to treat cancer, will not be delayed. Patients will also be required to stop


smoking eight weeks prior to surgery and all surgery candidates will be will be offered weight management or quit smoking support. Dr Tim Burke, chair of NEW Devon CCG said: “(Tese) measures encourage patients to


Shock stats show obesity costs as much as smoking


Te worldwide cost of obesity is about the same as smoking or the war on terror and more than both alcoholism and climate change, according to new research. Te McKinsey Global Institute has cal-


culated that, in the UK, the cost of obesity is £47bn, when taking into account health care costs and working days lost. Te researchers found that if the right


measures were taken, there could be long term savings of up to £760m a year for the UK’s National Health Service. Otherwise almost half of world’s popula- tion will be overweight or obese by 2030 – this currently stands at 30 per cent. Details: http://lei.sr?a=8R5S9


Te move throws up clear opportunities for leisure providers


take steps themselves to reduce their risks from surgery and to improve their outcomes, such as losing weight and stopping smoking. “If they are able to do this it will also have


long term health benefits for them.” The move, which the CCG described


as ‘urgent and necessary,’ throws up clear opportunities for leisure providers to assist with exercise programmes and advice as part of the weight management schemes. Details: http://lei.sr?a=z6r5Z


Sandra Dodd has spent 20 years at the company Virgin Active sparks fresh IPO rumours


Speculation is once again rife of a high-profile IPO for Virgin Active, although this time the business is said to be eyeing a float in South Africa. Virgin Act ive chair


Richard Baker – who recently became chair of Costa coffee chain owner Whitbread – has been replaced by South African retail veteran Simon Susman, prompting several reports suggesting the firm is eyeing a Johannesburg stock exchange listing next year. Te gym chain, part-owned


by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and private equity firm CVC – which also has a stake in attractions giant Merlin Entertainments – has around 260 health clubs worldwide, of which 112 are in South Africa. Tese clubs are reported to generate around 60 per cent of the company’s earnings. Tis is the latest in a long line of reports that


Virgin Active will go public. Te most recent flurry came in May, when it was reported the


© CYBERTREK 2014 New Virgin Active chair Simon Susman has significant retail experience


firm was lining up an IPO or sale in the UK, although sources at the time suggested a sec- ondary listing could take place in South Africa. Incoming chair Susman was quoted in


Te Telegraph: “I am looking forward to join- ing the board as the company continues its growth, both in its existing territories and in new markets.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=P3N2e


Twitter: @leisureopps


Dodd to replace Philpott at Places for People Leisure


Places for People Leisure Management (PPLM) CEO Steve Philpott is to retire next year aſter 11 years at the helm, with finance director Sandra Dodd to take up the reins. Philpott has led the company, which


changed to its current name from DC Leisure earlier this year, through substantial growth during his time in charge. PPLM – which won Leisure Centre Operator of the Year at the 2014 Flame Awards – currently partners with 36 local authorities, managing 112 leisure centres across England and employing over 7,000 staff. Philpott is thought to be stepping down


to spend more time with his family and was thanked by the board for his dedication and “excellent leadership of the business.” Places for People Group CEO David


Cowans said: “Following a competitive recruitment process we are delighted to have appointed Sandra Dodd who has an impressive track record and in depth knowledge of the business.” Dodd has 20 years’ experience in the company including 12 years as finance director. Details: http://lei.sr?a=k4a4Y


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 5


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