Say ‘Hi!’ to a horse, GPs tell patients
DOCTORS are prescribing patients a dose of the great outdoors as part of a groundbreaking health improvement scheme.
Patients taking part in the unique ‘nature prescriptions’ project are encouraged not to pop a pill but to say hello to a horse, hunt a hairy lichen, or even track down the long-tailed duck to listen to its courtship call.
GPs are telling people suffering from a range of illnesses to try attracting a goldcrest or watching a guillemot chick take flight. As part of an unique collaboration between the NhS and bird charity the RSPB, patients who visit their local surgery are being given leaflets encouraging them to light a driftwood fire on a beach, play like an eight-year-old or simply watch the waves.
Doctors tick a box advising individuals how far to walk and how long to spend outdoors.
experts say ‘outdoor prescriptions’ can help people suffering from a range of conditions, including stress, depression, insomnia and diabetes.
The Prescriptions for Nature scheme has been piloted in one part of NhS Shetland and is to be extended across the health board area – and could eventually be rolled out across Scotland.
Karen MacKelvie, RSPB Shetland’s community engagement officer, said: ‘We developed the nature prescriptions leaflet in response to people’s growing disconnection from nature. We thought it might be a good way to reach the people that don’t come on our guided walks or get to our reserves.
‘It’s an attempt to offer nature as a solution to health problems and, by going through GPs, we will potentially be reaching people that need it most.’
Working with the NhS, RSPB Scotland designed and produced the Prescriptions for Nature leaflet, plus a detailed ‘Nature Your Soul’ ideas calendar.
Doctors at Scalloway health Centre, Shetland, then dispensed the treatment to suitable patients. The leaflet says: ‘Something in your consultation has prompted your doctor to prescribe you nature.
‘The health benefits of nature are well documented.’
It says being outdoors helps reduce stress, worry and ‘the need for painkillers after operations’ – and could help patients concentrate better, feel more positive and sleep more soundly.
Susan Webb, NhS Shetland’s director of public health, said: ‘We are delighted that the pilot phase has been a success.’