Green Prescription
What is a Green Prescription?
Green Prescription (GRx) is a health initiative funded by Ministry of Health to encourage more people to become more active more often for the benefit of their health. The term Green Prescription refers to written advice from a doctor or practice nurse which prescribes safe and appropriate physical activity opportunities which will help improve health and wellbeing.
Who can benefit from a Green Prescription?
Green Prescriptions are given to patients aged over 18 who have stable medical conditions and who will benefit from an increase in physical activity.
How does a Green Prescription work?
Doctors/nurses fax the prescription to the Green Prescription team, one of whom will contact the patient and arrange a meeting or discuss the prescription on the telephone. You will then receive a patient information pack filled with useful, helpful information about activities that you may decide to try. Your patient support person will then telephone you every 3 or 4 weeks to provide motivation and encouragement, support, advice to help you continue to adopt more healthy lifestyle changes.
How much does a Green Prescription cost?
Green Prescription support is free.
How long does a Green Prescription last?
Green Prescriptions are valid for 3 months. At the end of that time you may visit or telephone your doctors or nurse and request a repeat if you feel you need continued support.
Who can prescribe a Green Prescription?
Your Doctor or Practice Nurse, Outpatient Specialist, Mental Health nurse or House Surgeon. With a doctors' sign off, registered nurses, diabetic nurses, cardiac nurses, Maori health nurses, midwives, mental health/addiction specialists and dieticians, can also prescribe.
For further information please contact:
Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough Primary Health Organisation,
Serena Hounslow on ph 0800499 430 or 03 578 3561 or fax 03 578 1198 or email serena@marlborough.org.nz
Updated 13 January 2010
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