Commenting on the King’s Fund's 'Making care closer to home a reality' report about refocusing primary and community care services, Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said:
‘Primary and community care services are the backbone of our health and social care system. When they’re properly staffed and run, they are essential in keeping people out of A&E and preventing health crises happening. However, there is currently too much focus on GPs, who are understandably under immense pressure. Commissioners need to make sure they’re incorporating allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, into any plans, so that people can get the right care at the right time. In some cases, this means reprioritising investment to make sure the right professionals are being employed by local services.’