As Steve Barclay takes on the role (again) of Secretary of State for Health and Social care, he will no doubt be aware of the myriad opportunities and challenges in the sector, particularly as we brace ourselves for a challenging winter.
The workforce challenge remains a top priority that must be addressed. It was reported recently that there are over 132,000 vacancies across the NHS and that the number in Social Care increased by 52% over the past year alone. Our most recent workforce survey of occupational therapists reinforces this, with over two-thirds (69%) of our members working in children’s services reporting that their teams are not fully staffed.
Therefore, we are calling on the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to:
- Increase investment in the occupational therapy workforce. Occupational therapists are on the shortage occupation list. Our members are on their knees dealing with team shortages and surging demand for occupational therapy. This impacts hospitals’ ability to discharge people in a timely and safe way. It also creates barriers for community health and social care services to keep people safe in their homes and prevent unnecessary admissions to hospitals and acute services.
- Ensure that children and young people get the therapy support they need. Our most recent survey of children’s occupational therapists found that 85% of our members are dealing with an increased demand for their support and 40% are dealing with long-standing issues of recruitment. We call on the Secretary of State to support our key goal that all mainstream schools can access occupational therapy.
- Secure long-term funding for occupational therapists working in GP surgeries. Previously, Mr Barclay has emphasised the need to reduce the pressure on GPs and his desire for more flexibility in community-based health. We agree and occupational therapists sit perfectly across health and social care. Our members have an important role to play in primary care, in particular supporting frail older adults, people with
To further reduce the pressure on the system we need to extend prescribing responsibilities for occupational therapists. Improving patient care and saving money across the system.
The new government has suggested that further savings need to be made amidst a hugely challenging economic situation for the UK. But Mr Barclay needs to make sure that Health and Social Care is not just protected, but invested in.
We look forward to working with him and his department.