Commenting on the Independent investigation of the NHS in England by Lord Darzi, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said:
‘While the findings of Lord Darzi’s report are shocking, they’re not surprising for those of us who have worked in the NHS over the past decade. The NHS is in desperate need of major reform, with budgets and staff reallocated to where they can make the most difference.
'We believe that one of the key things that will help save the NHS is moving the majority of occupational therapists – and other allied health professionals – from hospitals into community settings, such as GP surgeries, schools, housing teams, social services, care homes and places of work.
‘Widening access to occupational therapy where people live, work and go to school will help prevent people reaching crisis point and ultimately reduce pressure on health services. It will mean people will have the support they need to live in their own homes and continue with the occupations that they want and have to do.
‘By focussing on prevention and early intervention, people living with multiple health conditions or complex needs will be better able to manage their symptoms and reduce the need for hospital and specialist services.
‘But we need the resourcing and funding to make this happen. Getting the occupational therapy workforce right will actually help reduce the pressures on GPs, nurses, and all other areas of the NHS, as well as helping people live well for longer.’