HRH The Princess Royal was the special guest at the opening of The OT Practice's new head office in Hampshire last month.
Her Royal Highness, who is patron of RCOT, met with staff and clients in a celebration of the work delivered by independent occupational therapists. Commissioners of independent occupational therapy services, including military charities, councils and the case-management community, were also at the event to demonstrate the wide range of work delivered by the 300-strong network of self-employed occupational therapists.
The OT Practice is the largest occupational therapy practice in the UK.
Speaking at the event, The Princess Royal said she was struck by how independence and choice were the themes that came up at the event and the difference that technology is making to support people.
She met with former clients including Alex Lewis, now the organisation's brand ambassador. Alex is a quadruple amputee following a life-changing illness, and the two discussed the technology and innovative solutions he uses in everyday life. Nikki Thompson, founder and executive director of The OT Practice, said:
'Occupational therapists by their very nature are entrepreneurial - we're solution finders and think outside the box. We speak with lots of OTs in statutory services who want to work independently but are apprehensive about what that means. This new building offers us the room to grow.
'Having The Princess Royal at the opening of the new building was fantastic; both her visit and her patronage of RCOT helps raise our profile and recognise our work. The fact she chose to see us is a real nod to the future of the career opportunities in the independent sector.
'She was really interested in the career stories of the OTs she met, and one gave a presentation about his journey into independent practice. She met with clients too and really understood the journey they go on. Every person left the visit feeling positive about occupational therapy and their role in it.'