Health Service in Warminster Library

5.06.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Jun 2009

The new health information and support service, which has been available in three libraries in Wiltshire since early June, will be officially launched on July 10.

The service, Health Matters, is currently operating from the libraries in Salisbury, Warminster and Melksham in partnership with NHS Wiltshire and Macmillan Cancer Support. The scheme will see a further nine libraries added by October.

The launch ceremony is being held at Warminster library at 12.30pm with John Thomson from WC, Maggie Rae, Wiltshire's joint director of public health, and Silvy McQuiston from Macmillan taking part in the ribbon cutting.

Health care professionals from NHS Wiltshire visit the libraries once a week to offer free information and guidance to anyone attending. This service not only advises on specific illnesses, but also on how to stay healthy and where to go to get more help.

The sessions are at Salisbury library on Tuesdays between 9am and 1pm, Melksham library on Tuesdays between 1pm and 4pm, and Warminster library on Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

Each of the three libraries has also increased their range of health books covering everything from healthy lifestyles to in-depth information on illnesses.

These books are available during all opening hours and are free to borrow for library members.

John Thomson said: "This new partnership enables WC and its partners to extend the provision of health information and guidance to local people via their local library. It represents a further step in our focus on the health and wellbeing of the people of Wiltshire."

Maggie Rae, said: "We are delighted to work with the library service on providing health information in the heart of the community. Being well informed is an essential step to staying healthy."

Rachel Barnes said: "Macmillan is really pleased to continue to support information provision to people living with cancer in Wiltshire. This service will provide a really valuable local resource and it will mean people can get access to information and support where they live."