'Just like diamonds are formed under immense pressure, the challenges we face quite often lead to the greatest achievements.' – A reflection on Northern Ireland's passionate workforce

I am excited to be celebrating my first OT Week as the Policy and Public Affairs Lead at RCOT. It feels like a good time to reflect on what I've learned about occupational therapy in the last over six months since I’ve been in post. I am conscious you all lead busy lives so I’ll try to keep this brief! 

Dedicated and passionate professionals

Firstly and most obvious, you’re dedicated and passionate professionals, who work tirelessly to empower citizens to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. You’re excellent relationship builders and an integral part of multidisciplinary teams. You have the unique ability to support people with their physical and mental health needs and through every stage of their life. 

Renew your profession

I’ve seen that you work diligently to deliver for your patients, but you don’t often shout about the difference you make. As admirable as that is, we all need to raise our voices and speak about the amazing work you do and the essential role you play in transforming health and social care – to the media, to elected representatives, to stakeholders and decision-makers.

You can all be changemakers and work to support and renew your profession. You can find guidance and tools to support you on our website.

Members from a range of clinical areas have told me that things are tough, you’re expected to do more with less, manage expectations from patients and their families and, to put it simply, there’s a demand/capacity mismatch.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the current pressure facing occupational therapy services across Northern Ireland. Members from a range of clinical areas have told me that things are tough, you’re expected to do more with less, manage expectations from patients and their families and, to put it simply, there’s a demand/capacity mismatch.

I don’t deny the reality of those challenges and the way you have flexed and adapted to manage is remarkable. I know that just like diamonds are formed under immense pressure, the challenges we face quite often lead to the greatest achievements.

Take some time to reflect

At least this week (but ideally every week), please do find some time in your busy working days to sit down with your team and reflect on the incredible work you do, day in and day out. Celebrate your immense achievements but also think ahead about what your profession needs to be renewed and sustained into the future. Consider your own roles as leaders and changemakers, because there is a role for all of you. 

Workforce Strategy action plan – Northern Ireland

In early 2025, we’ll be publishing our Workforce Strategy action plan – Northern Ireland. It’s been shaped by members as part of our advisory group and will reflect the scale of the challenge facing health and social care in Northern Ireland. It'll highlight how occupational therapy is a solution to so many of our health needs.

Please do engage with the plan, share it widely and make use of the resources available.

How will I be representing you during OT Week?

On the week you read this, I'll be supporting our brilliant colleagues in the Belfast Trust to host an event marking OT Week. We will have Michelle Tennyson, Chief AHP Officer, speaking as well as our own Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman. I look forward to working with colleagues in other areas to host similar events next year. 

Thank you for all that you do, for your profession and more importantly, for the patients you care for and the communities you bolster. It is an honour and a pleasure to be able to support and advocate for you. I wish you all a happy OT Week – let’s get to work!