Green Prescription
What is a Green Prescription? 
Green Prescription (GRx) is a health initiative developed by SPARC 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 - you must pay for your doctors visit but the service provided by the Sports Trust is totally free. You will receive relevant information on suitable physical activity providers and as some activities will incur a cost every effort is made to ensure that any timetables etc distributed are up to date.
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 on how a Green Prescription could help you, please phone 0800 ACTIVE (228 483) or contact your local Tasman Regional Sports Trust office.
Sport Kaikoura, Green Prescription, 03 319 5040, email: kaikouramedcentre@xtra.co.nz
Rio Rosselini, 03 319 5040
Updated 16 October 2008
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