Health at your Local Library
Whether you are looking for specific information about your health, or need to find out where local NHS services are, library staff will be able to help you find it. All you need to do is ask.
Library staff are trained to use the NHS choices website http://www.nhs.uk/ so they can help you find the information you are looking for. More complex enquiries can be referred to the Patient Health Information Officer at Rotherham Hospital for in depth information.
Other services, delivered in partnership with NHS Rotherham and voluntary organisations, available in libraries include:
Books on Prescription
Books on a variety of mild to moderate mental health issues are available for loan. Your GP or mental health professional may prescribe a book instead of medication. You present the prescription to a member of library staff to receive the appropriate book. If you don't have a prescription the books are still available for loan to anyone.
'Steps to Health' Packs
Walking is a great way to improve your health. It doesn't cost anything and just about anyone can do it. To get started you can borrow a 'Steps to Health' Pack from your library containing a local walk map, a pedometer and a daily record sheet.
Keep Healthy, Keep Active, Keep Upright
Rotherham PCT funded leaflets, videos, work books and activity packs in libraries for older people and their carers. The aim is to reduce falls amongst the elderly through increased awareness of risk and the benefit of gentle exercise. These materials are available in selected libraries only. Please contact 01709 307190 for further information.
Macmillan Cancer Information 
Macmillan have funded a set of books on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatments and alternative therapies which is located at Rotherham Central Library although any item can be made available from other libraries on request, without charge.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
If your latest check up has shown your blood pressure is too high, or you need to reduce your cholesterol levels you can find British Heart Foundation booklets which can help at our larger libraries. You don't need to borrow them on your library ticket, just take what you need.
Alternatively you can borrow books on losing weight, how to start exercising and cookery books with healthy recipes from any Rotherham library.
The collection also includes books offering advice on explaining illness and bereavement to children. Further advice can be obtained from the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service on 01709 307659.
If you want to find out more about any of these services please contact your local library or Healthinfo on 307190
Page last updated: 11/08/2011