Our comment on the UK government's spending review

'We need more details'

Commenting on the UK government’s spending review, UK Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joseph Brunwin, said: 

‘The increased spending on the NHS and education announced today, coupled with reforming public services with a focus on prevention, has the potential to support delivery of our workforce strategy vision for an occupational therapy workforce primarily based in communities and focused on prevention and early intervention. 

‘However, we need more details. We’re still waiting for the revised long-term workforce plan, the 10-year Health Plan and the SEND white paper. Until we have these, we can’t know how occupational therapists will be affected and what support and resources will be provided to them to allow them to do their jobs properly. 

‘Occupational therapists are central to a system focused on prevention. Resources must be used correctly and occupational therapists placed where they’re needed most to help reduce pressures on other areas of the NHS, help keep people out of A&E, and ultimately save money.’