Self help books on prescription

Patients could soon be picking up their prescriptions from the local library as well as the chemist!

An innovative new health scheme that enables doctors and health professionals to prescribe self-help books to their patients is launched next month. Local libraries have teamed up with the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust for ‘Books on Prescription’, to provide help for those with emotional or psychological problems, including stress, eating disorders, depression and bereavement.

Once issued, prescriptions can be exchanged for the book at any of the borough’s libraries. The scheme aims to reach every GP surgery in the area and is a partnership between the Library Service, NHS and the Primary Care Trust.

Head of the Libraries Service, Paul Young, said people can really benefit from reading self help books:

“Many people consult their GP for help with their problems – they may then be referred to counsellors or specialist services for treatment. Availability of these resources is limited and often the GP will offer advice, prescribe medication or recommend contact with a local voluntary agency … self help books can be really useful.”

Similar schemes have already enjoyed great success in other parts of the UK, with excellent feedback from users.

The scheme will be launched on Wednesday 7 November at the Manchester Golf Club, Middleton.

For further information please contact Shabnam Sardar, Mental Health Promotion Lead:

Email: shabnam.sardar@hmrpct.nhs.uk

Tel: 01706 652 879