RCOT welcomes today’s announcement from the UK Government as a positive step towards recognising the value of rehabilitation and its important role in hospital discharge.
The additional funding into rehabilitation services in England, such as those in Leeds, is a clear indication that rehabilitation is now being valued as an essential service.
But it is only one small step, and we are committed to continue working with the Director of Rehabilitation and Hospital Discharge for NHS England, Jenny Keane, and her team to develop high quality rehabilitation provision and outcomes. And to continue to champion occupational therapist as a member of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance.
As the NHS workforce plan develops, we will continue to argue for increased staffing levels to meet demand. We want to ensure that everyone who would benefit from rehabilitation receives it and that occupational therapy within rehabilitation services are fully staffed and resourced.
Effective, timely and well-resourced rehabilitation services with occupational therapists located where they can make the most impact, can reduce the burden on acute care and ultimately allow for a greater number of people to be supported in their own communities.
Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation said:
‘We’re no longer having to argue for the need for occupational therapy. Our conversations are now centred on how we can recruit more occupational therapists. Occupational therapy is being seen as a solution to many of the complex demands within the health and social care system.
I’ve never seen this level of recognition of our skills and value. These are challenging times but also an opportunity for the profession to lead systems wide change. We’ll be working with members ensuring their expertise is drawn in designing needs-led integrated services at a national level.’