RCOT calls for action on growing occupational therapy waiting lists ahead of Northern Ireland Assembly election

RCOT calls for action on growing occupational therapy waiting lists ahead of Northern Ireland Assembly election

More than 20,000 people across Northern Ireland are currently waiting for occupational therapy support, with more than 13,000 waiting longer than 13 weeks and some facing waits of more than three years.

Today, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched its Northern Ireland Election Manifesto, calling on the next Executive to cut waiting times, strengthen the occupational therapy workforce and improve access to occupational therapy support.

Launched during Occupational Therapy Week, the manifesto highlights the growing pressures facing health and social care services and the important role occupational therapy can play in addressing them.

RCOT warns that without action, thousands of people will continue to wait too long for support, impacting their health, wellbeing and ability to work, learn and take part in their communities.

The manifesto calls on all political parties and candidates ahead of the Assembly election to commit to:

• Shifting investment towards prevention and community-based care
• Growing the occupational therapy workforce to meet rising demand
• Supporting occupational therapists to build and sustain careers in Northern Ireland
• Strengthening occupational therapy leadership, research and innovation

Cliona McSherry, RCOT Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Northern Ireland, said:

"Behind every occupational therapy waiting list statistic is a person whose life is on hold.

People are waiting months, and in some cases years, for support that could help them recover, return to work and get back to the activities that matter to them.

When people can access occupational therapy at the right time, outcomes improve and pressure is reduced across health and social care services.

Our manifesto sets out practical actions to reduce waiting times, grow the workforce and ensure more people can access support when they need it. As parties prepare for the Assembly election, we are calling on them to make occupational therapy part of the solution to Northern Ireland's health and care challenges."

Thomas Martin, a patient from Belfast, added:

"Occupational therapy has helped me increase my confidence and participation in the activities that matter most to me. The support I received made a real difference to my everyday life.

Too many people are waiting too long to access this kind of support. Occupational therapy can be life-changing, and people should be able to get help when they need it, not months or years later."

The manifesto calls for greater investment in prevention and community-based support, alongside action to grow the occupational therapy workforce through increased training places, new routes into the profession and improved retention.

Throughout Occupational Therapy Week, RCOT will be showcasing the impact of occupational therapy and engaging with political representatives and stakeholders to build support for its election priorities.

ENDS

For media queries, please contact Cliona McSherry on 07740 868118.

You can find the manifesto here.