Books on prescription (From Barry And District News)

Books on prescription

A RANGE of medical books are now available on prescription following the launch of a joint partnership initiative involving the Vale of Glamorgan Library and Information Service and the Local Health Board.

As part of the all-Wales Book Prescription Scheme, Vale libraries now stock copies of recommended books dealing with a range of mental health topics.

Local GPs complete a form, similar to a medical prescription, with the title of a book recommended to suit a patient's individual needs, and the prescription can be taken to the local library where staff will supply the book.

The roll-out of the scheme across Wales has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government following a very successful pilot project in Cardiff.

Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons said: "This scheme backs Health Challenge Wales, the national focus to improve the health and well-being of the people of Wales, giving people the power to help themselves.

"In many cases, evidence suggests that psychological approaches, like self-help books, can often be as effective, if not more effective, than drug therapy."