Patients in Worcestershire have had access to a 'books on prescription' service since 2007. Worcestershire Health Libraries in partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care Trusts have re-launched the BOP scheme under the single banner of "Reading for Health". Members of the public and patients can access books and e-books on a range of conditions as well as General Practitioners, mental health nurses, counsellors and IAPT psychological well-being practitioners able to prescribe for patients on their behalf. Special prescription pads are available from Paula Roberts, Redditch Public Library at PRoberts@worcestershire.gov.uk.
In 2013 the Reading Agency launched a national Books on Prescription scheme working within NICE guidelines which has been incorporated into the Worcestershire scheme. Books on Prescription is not designed to replace existing care but to provide added value and guidance. It can be used as a standalone treatment, alongside medication and psychological approaches and as an important element in a supported therapeutic programme.
Worcestershire Health Libraries have copies of many of the recommended books so that they are available for practitioners who wish to review them before prescribing them. A collection is available at all Health Library sites as well as public libraries.
