The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) welcomes the Welsh Government’s announcement today that it will invest £5 million to increase the number of allied health professionals (AHPs) and improve access to community-based care.
The funding, which will be made available from April 2023, will increase the number of community based AHPs and support workers in the NHS. An increase to the number of AHPs in the community, including occupational therapists, will enable people to recover at home with rehabilitation and spend less time in a hospital bed, leading to improved health outcomes for services users and reduce the pressure on hospital services. Boosting the presence of occupational therapists in the community will also improve the independence and confidence of those receiving care.
While this is a welcome first step, 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.
Dai Davies, Professional Practice Lead Wales said: ‘We welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to strengthening community-based services, and its intention to see people live at home independently for as long as possible. Boosting the staffing levels of AHPs and occupational therapists in the community will make a substantial contribution towards this goal.’
‘Demand for AHP services in the community is continuing to rise and this investment is a timely intervention. Occupational therapists can deliver rehabilitation services in the community and reduce the pressure on acute care. By continuing on this path, we hope the NHS and social care in Wales can deliver a reformed and more effective primary care workforce by ensuring access to occupational therapy and other AHPs is available for everyone who needs one.’