Referral Quick Guide: GP Referral Pack & Self-Referral Guide*
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
*this page is updated regularly
How to join or refer into My Movement Medicine
My Movement Medicine provides safe, structured, heart-conscious exercise sessions for people who want to continue moving after cardiac rehabilitation, improve long-term health, or rebuild confidence with exercise.
This page is for:
people who would like to self-refer
GPs and practice nurses
cardiac rehabilitation teams
social prescribers
physiotherapists and exercise professionals
family members supporting someone to become more active
We currently offer face-to-face sessions in Hampstead and online exercise sessions, with a focus on safe progression, confidence, community, and long-term routine.
This is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness, or symptoms that feel unusual or concerning, seek urgent medical help.
Quick links (information underneath)
What is My Movement Medicine?
My Movement Medicine supports people to exercise safely and confidently, particularly those living with or recovering from heart-related conditions.
Sessions are led by Jamie Pickett, registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist, with 10 years of NHS clinical cardiac rehabilitation experience.
The aim is simple:
Help people keep moving safely after formal rehabilitation ends, or support them to start exercising with more confidence.
Our sessions include:
longer warm-ups and cool-downs
follow national guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation
a target of working toward a moderate intensity as per national exercise recommendations / guidelines
Borg RPE 6–20
adaptable exercise options
full session gold-standard heart rate monitoring with feedback
strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise
a friendly, supportive group environment
Who is it suitable for?
My Movement Medicine may be suitable for adults who are medically stable and would benefit from structured exercise support.
This may include people who:
have completed or been offered NHS cardiac rehabilitation
have had a heart attack, stent, bypass surgery, valve surgery, or other cardiac event
live with stable angina, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other long-term health conditions
feel nervous returning to exercise
want to continue Phase 4-style exercise
need a supportive, lower-pressure group environment
prefer online exercise from home
want to improve strength, balance, walking fitness, and confidence
Who may need medical review first?
Some people may need clinical advice before starting.
Please seek medical review first if you have:
unstable or worsening chest pain
unexplained breathlessness
dizziness, fainting, or collapse
new or worsening palpitations
uncontrolled blood pressure
recent hospital admission with unclear exercise advice
symptoms that are changing or not settling
been told to avoid exercise until reviewed
any concern from your GP, consultant, cardiac rehab team, or specialist nurse
If unsure, it is better to check first.
Self-referral: how to join
You do not always need a GP referral to start.
Step 1: Visit the website
Go to:
Step 2: Create an account
Create an account so your sessions can be booked and managed safely.
Step 3: Complete the health questionnaire
You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire before your first session.
This helps us understand:
your cardiac or medical history
current symptoms
medications
exercise experience
confidence level
any concerns or limitations
Step 4: Book a trial session
You can then book a trial session, either face-to-face or online.
The first session is about getting started safely, understanding the format, and finding the right level for you.
Step 5: Build from there
After your trial, you can decide whether to continue with pay-as-you-go sessions, packs, subscriptions, or online options.
Face-to-face sessions
Our face-to-face sessions currently run in Hampstead, close to the Royal Free Hospital.
These are suitable if you want:
in-person instruction
a regular weekly routine
a supportive group environment
exercise options adapted to your level
confidence with movement after a cardiac event or health setback
The sessions are structured, friendly, and designed so people can work at their own level.
Online sessions
Online sessions are available for people who:
live further away
find travel difficult
prefer exercising from home
want a flexible way to stay consistent
need an option when they cannot attend in person
Online sessions still follow the same principles: warm-up, safe pacing, adaptable exercise, and gradual progression.
Information for GPs and healthcare professionals
My Movement Medicine can support suitable patients who would benefit from ongoing exercise after cardiac rehabilitation, or who need a safe and structured route back into activity.
This may be helpful for patients who:
are discharged from Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation but need ongoing support
are anxious about exercising independently
need a community-based option
would benefit from supervised group exercise
want online exercise with appropriate guidance
require a gradual, confidence-building approach
This service is not intended to replace NHS cardiac rehabilitation, medical review, or specialist care. It is designed to complement existing care and provide ongoing exercise support where appropriate.
What to include in a referral or supporting email
A formal referral is not always required, but useful information includes:
patient name
date of birth
contact details
relevant diagnosis
cardiac event / procedure and approximate date
current symptoms or limitations
current medications, especially beta-blockers, GTN, anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, diuretics, or diabetes medication
any exercise restrictions
blood pressure concerns if relevant
risk factors or comorbidities
whether the patient has completed Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation
any concerns about suitability
Please only share information with the patient’s consent.
Suggested referral wording for healthcare professionals
You can copy and adapt the wording below:
I am signposting this patient to My Movement Medicine for structured, heart-conscious community exercise support.
They are medically stable to my knowledge and may benefit from ongoing supervised or guided exercise to support confidence, physical activity, strength, balance, and long-term routine.
Relevant history: [insert brief summary].
Current considerations / restrictions: [insert details].
Please contact me if further information is required.
Suggested message for patients to send to their GP or cardiac rehab team
If you would like advice before joining, you can copy this:
I am interested in joining My Movement Medicine for structured exercise after my cardiac event / health condition.
The sessions use warm-ups, cool-downs, the talk test, Borg RPE, and adaptable exercise options.
Are you happy for me to take part in this type of community or online exercise? Are there any restrictions I should follow?
What happens in a session?
A typical session may include:
welcome and brief check-in
gradual warm-up
cardiovascular exercise at an appropriate level
strength exercises
balance or mobility work
longer cool-down
guidance using the talk test and Borg RPE 6–20
options to reduce, progress, or adapt exercises
The aim is not to push people as hard as possible.
The aim is to help people move safely, build confidence, and create a routine they can maintain.
What is Borg RPE?
Borg RPE is a simple scale used to rate how hard exercise feels.
My Movement Medicine uses the 6–20 Borg RPE scale.
For many people returning to exercise, sessions may sit around:
RPE 9–11: very light to light
RPE 11–13: light to somewhat hard
RPE 12–14: moderate for those who are ready and stable
The talk test is also used. A useful guide for moderate exercise is:
You should be able to talk, but not sing.
What should I bring?
For face-to-face sessions, please bring:
comfortable clothing
supportive shoes
water
any relevant medication, such as GTN or inhaler if prescribed
any monitoring equipment you usually use
a phone
For online sessions, set up:
a clear exercise space
a stable chair
water nearby
medication nearby if relevant
a device with good sound and screen view
When should I not exercise?
Do not exercise if you:
feel unwell
have chest pain or pressure
have unusual breathlessness
feel dizzy or faint
have new or worsening palpitations
have a fever or acute illness
have been advised not to exercise
have missed important medication and are unsure if it is safe
are concerned something is not right
If in doubt, stop and seek appropriate advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Not always. Many people can self-refer by completing the health questionnaire. However, if your symptoms are unstable or you are unsure about exercise safety, please check with your GP, consultant, cardiac rehab team, or specialist nurse first.
Can I join after NHS cardiac rehabilitation?
Yes. My Movement Medicine is designed to help people continue after formal cardiac rehabilitation, especially if they want ongoing structure and confidence.
Can I join if I am nervous about exercise?
Yes. Many people join because they are nervous. The sessions are designed to be supportive, paced, and adaptable.
Can I exercise online?
Yes. Online sessions are available and can be a good option if travel is difficult or you prefer to exercise from home.
What if I have more than one condition?
That is common. Please include relevant details in your health questionnaire so the session can be adapted safely where possible.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, if medically stable and appropriate for exercise. The focus is on starting safely and building gradually.
Ready to start?
The best first step is to complete the health questionnaire and book a trial session.
If you are a healthcare professional and would like more information, please contact My Movement Medicine directly.
This health guide was written by Jamie Pickett, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Health Facilitator, & Founder of My Movement Medicine.
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