Commenting on the appointment of Victoria Atkins MP as the new health and social care secretary, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Benjamin Powick, said:
‘It is a concern that there is not only a lack of stability and consistency in the Department for Health and Social Care, but also that changes are being made just as we move into winter, which is already a time of extreme high pressure for our health services.
‘We hope that the new minister will recognise the contribution occupational therapists can make in reducing pressure on the NHS. Occupational therapists can help prevent admission to hospital and, following admission, can help facilitate early discharge. However, at the moment, there aren’t enough occupational therapists for the demand, so there needs to be a real focus on addressing these workforce challenges.
‘Placing occupational therapists where they can make the most difference, particularly in GP surgeries, schools, and as a core part of rehabilitation teams, means that more people will get support to carry out the occupations they need and want to do, and will be directed to the right services sooner.’