Scotland policy and public affairs update

Discussing AHP leadership, workforce challenges, prevention and the role of AHPs in transforming health and community care with key government stakeholders 

Health and Social Care Committee

Hilary (Chair of AHPFS) and Katie met with Health and Social Care Committee members – Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill (SNP) and Heather Anderson (Scottish Greens).

Both were receptive to AHPF Scotland’s key messages and supportive of the case for stronger AHP leadership and visibility within the health system. Discussions focused on improving access to the right professional at the right time through multidisciplinary team models. 

Maree Todd, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs

Hilary, Glenn and Katie then met with Maree Todd, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs.

The discussion focused more on whole-system and national approaches to service reform, including national centres of excellence and how AHPs contribute to broader health system transformation. We shared our Public Health Compendium and will remain engaged with her, particularly around the upcoming mental health and wellbeing delivery plan.

Alison Thewliss, Minister for Community Care

Members of AHPF Scotland also met with Alison Thewliss, Minister for Community Care.

This was a positive discussion about the important role of AHPs in transforming health and community care, and the leadership needed to support this. We highlighted that, despite the Scottish Government’s commitment to shifting the balance of care, community service budgets continue to be used to support social and acute care – limiting the investment available for prevention.

We also discussed workforce planning, the need to expand earn-and-learn models across AHP professions, and funding and bursaries.

Why this matters to you? 

These meetings are helping to build political understanding of the contribution occupational therapists and wider AHPs make across Scotland. They are also important opportunities to influence discussions on leadership, prevention, workforce planning, community care and the future shape of health and social care services.