Health Information Week 2017 (HIW2017) is a great opportunity for healthcare and public libraries and other organisations to collaborate in raising patients and the public’s awareness of where to look for good quality health information. DCH Library is one of many healthcare libraries in the country taking part in HIW2017.

On Tuesday 4th July between 10am and 12pm, Morag Evans, Dorset County Hospital Librarian, held a stand at the Weymouth Public Library with a display focusing on NHS Choices. She and Abena Farkye, Library Assistant at Weymouth Library had met several weeks previous to the event to plan and prepare and enjoyed the collaboration. The morning itself proved to be very productive and many members of the public and users of the library were interested in what Abena and Morag had put together. Tesco had kindly provided fruit for the event and this served as a great ice breaker and conversation starter.

 

Then on Wednesday, 5th July, Jill Buckland, Dorset County Hospital Library Manager, in collaboration with Bridport Public Library, organized a display and event there, with a representative from LiveWell Dorset who brought visual models of fat to the table! This generated a lot of interest and discussion.

Health information and literacy are important aspects of our lives and the chance to celebrate and share the wealth of good quality information that the NHS and other health organisations have to offer to the public was a privilege and very rewarding. The occasion to liaise and collaborate with our public library colleagues was also gratefully received and has opened up future opportunities when we may be able to join forces on other health-related matters! Watch this space!