GARDENING, art classes and singing lessons are likely to be prescribed by British doctors "as readily as medical care" under a new plan which aims to reduce financial pressure on the UK health system.
The UK Government has announced 5 million in funding for the new National Academy of Social Prescribing, which will see medicos work in partnership with local authorities.
The UK National Health Service is targeting 900,000 "social prescriptions" over the next five years, saying there was evidence that such activities can benefit patients with a range of conditions including anxiety, dementia and mental health issues - in turn reducing visits to emergency departments.
"There are thousands of people up and down the country right now who are already benefiting from activities like reading circles, choir groups and walking football," said UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock.
The new academy will be led by Helen Stokes-Lampard, who will take up the role after stepping down from her current position as Chair of the UK's Royal College of General Practitioners.
"It's what good GPs have always done in terms of getting the best help and support for our patients beyond the medicines we also provide them with," she enthused.
The funding will support English primary care networks to each employ one Social Prescriber this year.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Oct 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 24 Oct 19
