A GROUP of Wirral residents have expressed their dismay at plans to stop a healthy living initiative.

They have been using the gym at St Catherine’s Hospital to follow Wirral Council’s ‘Live Well programme’.

But last week users were told the scheme would be ending.

Cora Quail, 67, from Tranmere, regularly followed the programme after she was diagnosed with “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” (COPD).

The condition affects the lungs and sufferers can struggle with their breathing- something which was improving since Cora joined the “live well” scheme.

Cora said: “We are all really upset the scheme is stopping and we cannot think of a good reason why.

“If it was due to money then we would be willing to pay, as following a plan helped improve our health.

“It was people of all ages who followed it not just us older ones, it is such a shame.”

The programme had three main aims; to get people to be more active, eat healthier and relax and unwind.

It offered members a consultation with a health trainer to help create targets and provide motivation for them.

“It just doesn’t seem to make sense to me, the programme was aimed at improving people’s health.

“By stopping it, our health could deteriorate and could mean me taking up the NHS’ time and money in hospital.” Cora added.

Fiona Johnstone, Wirral’s director of public health, said: “Wirral’s decision not to renew the Livewell contracts is in response to the need to develop a radically different way of supporting local people to be the best that they can be.

“Despite significant investment in health and wellbeing services over a number of years, we have not seen the step change in health outcomes that we all seek.”

“In summer 2015, we undertook insight work with local people, and this led us to challenge our current work to promote health and wellbeing.”

“The proposal to decommission the programme was included in the budget options presented to Cabinet in December 2015 and agreed at the February Cabinet meeting and subsequent Budget Council meeting in March.”

“We are developing alternative health services to support people who want to improve their health and wellbeing.”

“Meanwhile, many of the services, such as weight management and smoking cessation, can still be offered via GPs and through the Council’s Invigor8 programme.”

Today, Wirral’s NHS community foundation Trust has updated their website to include a message on the ‘Live Well programme’ page.

The message reads: “From Tuesday 14 June 2016, the trust will no longer be contracted by Wirral Council to deliver the Livewell Service across Wirral.

“This includes the Health Trainer Service, the Health Promotion Resource Centre and all Community Programme activities.”

“All Livewell clinics and sessions will finish on Tuesday 31 May 2016.”

“Wirral Council is developing alternative health services to support people who want to improve their health and wellbeing. Meanwhile services such as weight management and smoking cessation can still be accessed via your GP or through the Council's Invigor8 programme.”

A spokesperson for Wirral NHS trust said: “Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust would like to reassure patients that, while the gym is no longer offering the Livewell programme, which has been decommissioned by Wirral Council, it is operating as normal for cardiac rehabilitation services.”