Books on Prescription
Books on "Prescription" is a new service in West Lothian. It is to help people cope with emotional problems. This is a partnership initiative between NHS Lothian (West Lothian Community Health & Care Partnership) and West Lothian Library Services.
West Lothian doctors now have the option to "prescribe" self help reading materials. This may be as an alternative or in addition to prescribing medicine to patients with certain health problems. The patient can then take the "prescription" along to their local library and borrow the recommended book. Health Professionals will only "prescribe" the books to patients they feel would benefit from the scheme and who would like to take part in this kind of treatment.
Library Services Manager, Jeanette Castle, said " Books on "Prescription" is a scheme which allows health professionals and patients to utilise the wide range of relevant resources held in our libraries. The scheme underlines the important role that libraries play in supporting people at all stages of their lives. We are delighted to work in partnership with the NHS to support patients."
