People with injuries, disabilities and long-term mental and physical health conditions are waiting for more than three years to see an occupational therapist in Northern Ireland. More than half of those on occupational therapy waiting lists are waiting more than 13 weeks. That’s according to a new report from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
The report found that more than 19,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting to access occupational therapy services, with one Trust having 1,489 children waiting to be assessed for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) and autism. It means people aren’t getting the support they need to be able to do what they want and need to do. It also means that more people could reach crisis point and end up in an Emergency Department, putting more pressure on other areas of health and care services. These long waiting lists primarily sit within core community occupational therapy services, who are focused on areas such as health promotion, equipment and home adaptation provision with the aim to empower and maximise independence. Despite the clear value of these core community services, they have not received the investment needed.
According to the report, these waiting times are largely due to staffing challenges and demand outstripping capacity. One of the key things the organisation believes will help people get the support they need sooner, is placing more occupational therapists in community settings to provide interventions for patients closer to home.
Occupational therapists support people to prioritise their health and wellbeing to live healthier for longer, with a uniquely dual focus on both mental and physical health. 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.
Cliona McCarney, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Northern Ireland at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, says:
‘These statistics are deeply concerning. No-one should be waiting for more than three months, let alone over three years, to get the support they need. In some cases, lack of access to services is preventing people from working, contributing to their communities, and preventing children from reaching their full potential.
‘Our committed occupational therapy staff are working extremely hard and doing their best to manage demand and provide care as quickly and efficiently as possible, but this situation is far from sustainable. We know that our health service in Northern Ireland is facing immense challenges, but we need to see urgent action taken and investment into our occupational therapy services and workforce.’
‘Not only has the demand for services increased, but so to has the complexity of patients and service users. In Northern Ireland, assessment of need in relation to housing adaptations is lead by occupational therapists, to fulfil a statutory role. This is an essential part of the occupational therapy role but every month, demand for this service outstrips capacity.”
‘We want to see more occupational therapists positioned in the community, where people live and work, so people can get the support they need sooner and be able to continue with the occupations they want and have to do.
‘As part of our occupational therapy workforce action plan, we’re calling on the Government in Northern Ireland to invest in occupational therapy services, expand the workforce, and take action to ensure that occupational therapists are positioned where they’re most needed.’
The aim of RCOT’s workforce strategy is that, by 2035, occupational therapy will help people:
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have the choice and opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities and roles
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have access to the health and care services they need within their community
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rely less on A&E and be able to stay in their own homes for longer, with the right support
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pursue the occupations they value, manage their health and care needs and contribute to society in the way that they want to.