NEW RELEASE:
HEALTH BUSINESS 18.05

 
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Is there a need for nationwide ‘nature prescriptions’?

 

Doctors working in the 10 GP surgeries on the Shetland Islands are to begin issuing ‘nature prescriptions’ for patients to treat chronic health conditions and supplement ongoing treatments.

While NHS Shetland has stressed that the new move will not replace conventional medicine and normal GP appointments, there is merit in thinking that involving and empowering people in their own health can make a real difference to the way that they monitor and maintain their own well-being.


The concept of mindfulness is not universally appreciated, but there is no denying that nature is good for our health. As Makena Lohr, from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare in Oxford, said: “The physical and mental benefits of connecting with nature have been very well evidenced by numerous studies. It’s high time that the healthcare sector became aware of that.”


This issue features two articles on the NHS estate, firstly from the Nuffield Trust’s Helen Buckingham and then in our preview to the fast-approaching NHS Estates event at Manchester Central. One point that has not been touched on, but which all estate managers and NHS property professionals should consider is, can we increase access to green space on or near to NHS land? And, if we can, could the benefits reach beyond therapeutic purposes and improve health from an earlier stage?

Michael Lyons, editor

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