Northern Ireland 2027: Four steps for a healthier nation
Why occupational therapy matters in Northern Ireland
Occupational therapists are a vital part of Northern Ireland’s health and social care system, helping people of all ages participate in the activities that matter to them, whether that’s learning, working, caring for family, or living well at home. Yet rising demand and workforce pressures mean too many people are waiting too long for support.
More than 20,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting for an occupational therapy assessment, with over 13,000 waiting longer than 13 weeks. In some services, waits exceed three years. When people cannot access occupational therapy at the right time, their health can deteriorate, everyday activities become harder, and pressure across health and social care services increases. Occupational therapy is part of the solution, helping people stay well, avoid crisis, and live independently in their communities.
Investing in occupational therapy and community-based services will support the shift from crisis response to prevention, reduce pressure on hospitals, and help people live healthier lives closer to home.
The difference occupational therapy makes
Across Northern Ireland, occupational therapists help people stay well, participate in work and education, and avoid unnecessary reliance on health and social care services.
Supporting people to stay in work
The occupational therapy-led Condition Management Programme helped 1,761 people manage their health, work and wellbeing. Among unemployed participants, 71% reported increased work readiness, while 84% of employed participants reported improved work sustainability.
Supporting mental health in primary care
In a GP practice serving 12,000 people, a primary care occupational therapist delivered 2,430 appointments in 2025/26, providing timely mental health support and reducing pressure on general practice.
Driving innovation in rehabilitation
Stroke survivors using virtual reality rehabilitation achieved 200-500% more upper limb repetitions than with conventional therapy alone, supporting better recovery and independence.
Preventing avoidable demand
Occupational therapists help people remain safely at home, manage long-term conditions, return to work, and access education, reducing pressure on hospitals and specialist services.
What the next Northern Ireland Executive must do
1. Shift investment towards prevention and community-based care
Invest in early intervention and community services, expand occupational therapy in primary care and neighbourhood teams, and ensure people can access support closer to home.
2. Grow the occupational therapy workforce to meet rising demand
Increase training places, create alternative routes into the profession, and invest in new occupational therapy posts to reduce waiting times and improve access to services.
3. Support occupational therapists to build and sustain careers in Northern Ireland
Strengthen recruitment, retention and career development opportunities, creating clear pathways for occupational therapists to develop, lead and thrive.
4. Strengthen occupational therapy leadership, research and innovation
Invest in leadership, research and innovation so occupational therapists can influence decision-making, improve services and shape the future of health and social care.
Download our full Northern Ireland Manifesto
Want the detail behind our four priorities, recommendations and impact stories?
Real OT impact across Northern Ireland
Occupational therapists are delivering real change every day. These case studies show the difference timely occupational therapy makes to people's lives and to public services.
1. Supporting people to return to and remain in work
Helping people manage their health and wellbeing so they can access, sustain and thrive in employment.
2. Mental Health Practitioners in primary care
Providing earlier support closer to home and reducing pressure on GP services.
3. Innovating to support stroke survivors
Using virtual reality technology to improve rehabilitation outcomes and increase therapy intensity.
Participation Changes Everything
Being able to participate in everyday life is fundamental to health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists help people overcome barriers and do the things that matter most to them. By investing in occupational therapy, prevention and community-based support, we can help more people stay connected, active and involved in their communities.
Building Northern Ireland’s OT workforce for the future
A sustainable occupational therapy workforce is essential if Northern Ireland is to reduce waiting times, improve access to care and deliver more preventative services. Expanding training opportunities, improving retention and investing in career development will help ensure the profession can meet future demand and provide high-quality care for everyone who needs it.
A stronger occupational therapy workforce is essential to delivering the vision set out in our Northern Ireland manifesto. Explore the Northern Ireland Workforce Strategy Action Plan to see the practical steps underway to support recruitment, retention and sustainable OT services across Northern Ireland.
