As Stormont returns to power-sharing, we are calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to address critical workforce priorities. This will enhance occupational therapy delivery across Northern Ireland.
To deliver on the Health and Wellbeing 2026 strategy our key priorities in Northern Ireland are:
Establishing occupational therapy in primary care: We want to see occupational therapists, in addition to mental health practitioners, included within the primary care workforce. Placing occupational therapists at the front door of health can prevent the need for crisis and acute interventions.
Investing in children's occupational therapy services: Alarmingly, almost three-quarters (71%) of children's occupational therapists in Northern Ireland feel that they are unable to provide the therapy that children need. Addressing this issue is critical to ensure that children receive the necessary support and interventions for their development and wellbeing.
Development of a rehabilitation framework: We are asking for a comprehensive rehabilitation framework to guide and enhance rehabilitation services across Northern Ireland. A cohesive and integrated approach across hospital and community services is needed to provide the right care in the right place at the right time. Rehabilitation is essential to restoring people back to living their lives and preventing poor health and wellbeing outcomes.
Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at RCOT, says:
'We welcome the progress towards restoring a functioning assembly and hope that Stormont will prioritise addressing the health and social care workforce issues. Occupational therapists are pivotal in supporting people to manage their health and to live at home, delaying or reducing the need for full-time care or hospital admission. Investment in and growth for occupational therapy is vital to ensure people live well and reduce demand on acute and emergency services.'
We're committed to collaborating with stakeholders, policymakers, and the community to advocate for policies and initiatives that advance the occupational therapy profession and promote people's wellbeing throughout Northern Ireland.