A GP doling out football tickets? It may sound daft, but ‘social prescribing’ could make a difference in the NHS | Devi Sridhar

The article discusses the concept of "social prescribing" as a potential solution to address the growing pressures on the NHS. It highlights a new pilot program in Gloucestershire, where GPs can prescribe Forest Green Rovers football tickets to patients with mild to moderate depression. The article suggests that this approach moves away from the traditional medical model of simply prescribing drugs and towards a more community-based and preventive model of healthcare. It acknowledges that while such initiatives may be easy to mock, they have been supported by the Health Secretary as part of efforts to transform the NHS from a sickness treatment system to a preventive health service. The rationale behind this approach is that GPs are often overwhelmed with patients presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, and physical ailments that may be better addressed through community resources like exercise, nature, and social activities, rather than just medication. The article also notes the significant cost of the NHS's current reliance on prescribing over 89 million antidepressant courses annually. Overall, the article presents the potential benefits of "social prescribing" as a complementary approach to traditional medical care, with the aim of addressing the root causes of health issues and reducing the strain on the NHS.