Our comment on the NHS England 10-year health plan

Commenting on the 10-year health plan for NHS England, announced by the UK government today, UK Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joseph Brunwin, said: 

‘This long-awaited plan sets out an encouraging vision for the future of health and care – with a clear focus on prevention, digital transformation and delivering more care in the community. These are all areas where occupational therapy already makes a vital contribution and we welcome the alignment with our own workforce strategy.  

‘Occupational therapists have the skills and insight to be at the heart of neighbourhood health services – working across communities to keep people well and connected to the support they need close to home. They are central to preventing hospital admissions, supporting mental health and enabling people to do the activities – occupations – they want and need to do. 

‘But there aren’t enough occupational therapists and many people are waiting too long for the support they desperately need. So, while we’re encouraged that the government will publish a new 10-year workforce plan, it's imperative that this delivers an enlarged and strengthened occupational therapy workforce to achieve these ambitions. 

‘We look forward to working with government, the NHS, and partners across health and social care to embed occupational therapy across systems where they can have most impact, ease pressure on frontline services and help people stay well for longer and live their best life.’