Guernsey Press

Woman who nearly died not allowed onto LifeFit class

AFTER nearly dying of sepsis, Chris Cleal was keen to join Beau Sejour’s LifeFit to get back on track.

Published
Chris Cleal nearly died of sepsis and wanted to get fitter so her doctor referred her to Beau Sejour’s LifeFit exercise classes, but the centre refused to accept her after its own safety tests showed that her blood pressure was too high to exercise. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 26966724)

But she claims she was treated appallingly after being blocked from using the course because of high blood pressure readings, despite a doctor’s note to counter the concerns.

‘My understanding of LifeFit is that it is to help people get semi fit again,’ said Mrs Cleal.

‘My experience with the staff at this centre did not reflect this ethos.’

But Emma Kinder, the centre’s active health manager, explained that for safety reasons the centre carries out its own tests before allowing anyone to take part in a LifeFit session, to make sure that person is fit to exercise.

Mrs Cleal approached Beau Sejour after a doctor’s referral. The scheme requires one for anyone to be considered for LifeFit.

‘I nearly died of sepsis in Australia and as a result I had difficulties walking.

‘I asked our GP if LifeFit would be a possible route to getting improved mobility,’ said Mrs Cleal. ‘He agreed and wrote a signed note to Beau Sejour.’

Mrs Cleal registered for the class and bought a LifeFit card for £5.

‘A stipulation was that a blood pressure test must be carried out before any exercise can be undertaken. On this occasion it was found to be high,’ said Mrs Cleal.

‘Due to this I was not allowed to do any of the exercise supposedly customised to the patient’s particular conditions.

‘I explained I do not suffer from high blood pressure and maybe it was their equipment that was at fault and was asked to return for another check.’

Staff insisted Mrs Cleal could not exercise.

‘I made dedicated journeys to Beau Sejour on a further two occasions, each time the blood pressure test showed a high reading,’ she said. ‘I re-stated that I do not suffer from high blood pressure.’

A back and forth ensued between the doctor and Beau Sejour.

‘The trainer suggested I go to my GP and get a letter, to at last start the exercise,’ said Mrs Cleal. ‘I duly visited my GP and delivered this letter exactly as requested.’

Fed up after this, Mrs Cleal gave up trying to attend LifeFit.

‘On our fourth or fifth visit, expecting the letter to have resolved the issue, the blood pressure was checked again,’ Mrs Cleal said.

‘But they refused again. I stated that any high blood pressure was due to their irrational behaviour. With that I left.

‘What on Earth is this LifeFit for if not to help people in the same situation as me? What absolutely appalling treatment.’

Beau Sejour was approached for comment.

‘LifeFit has a criteria that specifies which medical conditions are suitable for referral,’ said Miss Kinder.

‘On receiving a referral, individuals attend a pre-exercise consultation where appropriate measurements, including blood pressure, are taken.

‘Should individuals display blood pressure readings outside of the permitted regulatory guidelines we would not allow them to exercise and they would be referred back to the original referrer.’

Beau Sejour carries out its own tests to confirm doctor verification.

‘The above measures are retaken to ensure the individual is safe to exercise,’ said Ms Kinder.

These measures are a safety requirement.

‘It is not the intention of Beau Sejour and LifeFit to prevent individuals from exercising, but for the safety of our staff and customers all relevant procedures must be followed. This procedure falls within professional boundaries that staff are required to fulfil,’ Ms Kinder said.

‘If the individual would contact us again we will gladly reassess their eligibility onto the scheme based on their current health.’