SCL and the NHS Sign MOU on Health

On November 19, at an NHS ‘Live Well Day’ at Peckham Library, the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) and NHS Choices will sign an agreement that formalises a partnership between the Department of Health and public libraries to provide people with access to more information about their health choices.

In more than 3,600 public libraries in England people will be able to easily access a wide range of health and well-being information. These resources are available in every library and library staff are trained and on hand to offer advice and help. NHS choices have developed new training for library staff so they can guide people through its website, and find trustworthy health information to make informed choices. 90% of the population of England lives within a mile of a public library.

Under the agreement, library staff will get extra training so they can guide the public through NHS Choices website which has information about conditions, treatments or living a better lifestyle. As of September 2009 more than 800 librarians had completed the free online NHS Choices training, and NHS Choices are launching a marketing campaign to all library staff to promote the training.

Public libraries offer support programmes such as bibliotherapy, books on prescription, and activities to help people make positive choices. For many socially-excluded groups, public libraries provide a vital link to support and community.

Fiona Williams, SCL President, said: “Libraries are an ideal place for people to learn more about their health choices. People want their health information presented in clear ways that they can easily understand, and that is exactly what public library staff does.”

NHS Choices has over seven million visits a month and is the first point of call for anyone wishing to access reliable health information online. However, not everyone knows how to use the internet or has the equipment to do so. Sixteen million people are digitally excluded and of these, six million are also socially excluded. Public libraries are bridging this digital divide by offering free access to the internet and classes that teach people how to access information online.

Bob Gann, Head of Strategy for NHS Choices at Department of Health said “NHS Choices is committed to reaching all sections of society. Those without access to the internet are often those with the greatest health needs. We are delighted to be working with libraries as key partners in bridging the digital divide.”

Alison Wheeler, Head of Service Development for Suffolk Libraries, said: In public consultations carried out locally and nationally we have learned that people feel bewildered by the range of information which confronts them. Using NHS Choices, libraries can help people interpret and understand this information and take control of their health.”