Libraries' New Chapter In Improving Health as Forth Valley Book Prescribing Service is Launched

A good read is just what the doctor is prescribing for people with minor health issues across the Forth Valley.

 

To complement traditional medical treatments GPs can now prescribe an 'information prescription' to help patients obtain a greater understanding of their condition from books available at libraries across the Forth Valley.

 

Organised by the Libraries in Central Scotland Group, in partnership with the NHS, the new 'Book Prescribing Service' is a library partnership initiative provided by local authorities, health bodies and education establishments.

 

 

Launching the Forth Valley Book Prescribing Service are (clockwise from left) Chris Wright (NHS Forth Valley), Mark Wilkinson (University of Stirling), Susan Carragher (Libraries in Central Scotland Group), John Blake (Clackmannanshire Council), Gil Vick (Falkirk Council) and Ruth Salter (NHS Forth Valley).

 

Libraries in Central Scotland Group was set up two years ago by organisations responsible for delivering library services in the Central Scotland area.  The Group got together to explore how library services across all public sectors could work more collaboratively and co-operatively.

 

The Group partners currently include Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk Councils, Forth Valley College, NHS Forth Valley, Scottish Police College, Stirling University, Stirling Royal Infirmary and Falkirk District Royal Infirmary, The National Library of Scotland and with support from the Scottish Library Information Council.
                                                                          
On launching the new service Chair of the Libraries in Central Scotland Group, Susan Carragher said: "Libraries are delighted to be working with colleagues in the Health Service to provide access to this range of information and resources which has been selected by health specialists". 

 

GPs can choose books from the Primary Care Book Prescription Scheme on issues such as anger, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem, sexual health, sleeping problems and stress.

 

NHS Forth Valley Medical Director, Dr Gareth Davies said: "We all welcome patients becoming involved in their treatment and this new initiative adds another local convenient means of patients obtaining accurate information."

 

For further information on the 'Book Prescribing Service' contact your GP, your local public library or the libraries at Stirling University and Forth Valley College.