'Occupational therapists have been let down’ by NHS England workforce plan

Comment on NHS England workforce plan

Commenting on the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan, Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said: 

‘We had high hopes for this workforce plan and, frankly, occupational therapists have been let down, which means patients are also being let down. There is so much focus on doctors and nurses that it’s as if the government has forgotten NHS England needs occupational therapists and other allied healthcare professionals to function. Reducing waiting lists is vital but without follow-up and support to manage daily life, many patients will return to NHS frontline and emergency services.  

‘The plan has the right vision, and there are certainly elements for occupational therapists to celebrate. It’s good to see a focus on flexible working and a proposed roll-out of NHS terms and conditions to primary care. The increase in advanced practitioners, apprenticeships and occupational therapy support staff and assistants, and opportunities for occupational therapists to become approved clinicians is positive. We also welcome the commitment to improving access to mental healthcare and rehabilitation, although it is a missed opportunity that none of the mental health commitments mention occupational therapy specifically. 

‘Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t have the right steps in place to make that vision happen. What’s more, the much-lauded £2.4 billion is aimed at new training but doesn't cover increased salaries or additional needs – where will the money for this come from? 

‘Our recent workforce survey showed that occupational therapists are under immense pressure and almost a quarter of respondents told us they plan to leave the profession in the next five years. There is an occupational therapy gap in both health and social care across all regions of England – with some places experiencing up to 40% vacancy rates. A growth in numbers of up to 3.7% will barely touch the sides, especially if workforce retention isn’t also addressed.  

‘We’ve been working on our first workforce strategy for occupational therapy across the UK, but to make the most of it, we need the governments of all four nations to have robust workforce plans that incorporate multidisciplinary teams. Getting the occupational therapy workforce right will actually help reduce the pressures on GPs, nurses, and all other areas of the NHS.  

‘It’s vital that workforce planning also ensures a sustainable social care workforce in order to deliver integrated care. 

‘It’s time for the UK government to recognise and value everything that occupational therapists and other allied health professionals do, and invest in occupational therapy to improve people’s health and overall wellbeing, helping people live well for longer.’