Dear Victoria
I am writing to reiterate why it's important to extend independent prescribing responsibilities to occupational therapists. This move would empower occupational therapists to provide precise, patient-centred care, in line with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and Major Conditions Strategy. Workforce shortages make this step essential.
Not having prescribing responsibilities stops us from fully realising the workforce plan's aspiration of ’enhancing the scope and reach of AHP roles to help manage demand most productively’. Occupational therapists who can prescribe medication, offer a more adaptable, patient-focused service, reduce reliance on referrals, streamline service delivery, and minimise duplication of care. This approach enhances healthcare efficiency and reduces the chance of emergency admissions or readmissions.
Our concerns also extend to the impact on career development, recruitment, and retention within the occupational therapy profession. A growing number of job advertisements for advanced practitioners now ask for prescribing responsibilities, limiting the career progression prospects for our expert colleagues. This is an obstacle to our profession's progress and hinders the Workforce Plan's goal of having more advanced practitioners and independent prescribers in our field.
We appreciate the Workforce Plan's recommendations for addressing shortages, including occupational therapy, but we're concerned about the limited access to HCPC prescribing qualifications. Without this capability, we risk failing to attract, reform and retain the occupational therapy workforce which is key to achieving the goals outlined in these documents.
As previously emphasised in our correspondence with the Secretary of State as part of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance, granting independent prescribing responsibilities is a practical and immediate step that supports patient care, reduces administrative burdens, and addresses workforce challenges.
Thank you for your attention to this fundamental issue. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to discuss solutions that will improve patient care, elevate the status of occupational therapy, and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Best wishes,
Karin Orman
Director of Practice and Innovation
Royal College of Occupational Therapists