Today, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) along with 11 other key Allied Health Professions as part of the Allied Health Professions Federation (AHPf), has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to demand clarity on the ongoing situation regarding healthcare workers and their access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
There has been an ongoing question mark when it comes to who is being prioritised for access to PPE. While doctors and nurses seemed to be at the front of the queue, many allied health professionals (AHPs) who are also on the frontline have simply been overlooked. This, combined with the slow-paced action to better support those working in social care, is a deep concern and a risk to the safety and well-being of all AHPs working during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Chief Executive of RCOT, Julia Scott, comments:
“It is a priority for all of us to keep our frontline NHS and social care staff safe and healthy throughout this crisis and maximise the protection for all of them as they do important life-saving work. However, there have been mixed messages from the Government when it comes to providing PPE to frontline NHS staff.
This element of the workforce includes occupational therapists, paramedics, dieticians, physiotherapists, radiographers, podiatrists and a wide range of other key allied health professionals. Therefore, we are asking for clarity on the access they all have to PPE, as we have heard from many members who are concerned about the safety of the equipment they have been provided with, or a lack of any available equipment.
Furthermore, we have many occupational therapists working in social care. This is a significant concern for us as they are working in the heart of communities, visiting people’s homes to ensure their safety and well-being on a daily basis. It is only right that they are also prioritised for access to this vital protective equipment.”