Occupational Therapy News July 2020 | Page 12

NEWS Mental health workforce review part of new plan for Northern Ireland A new mental health action plan in Northern Ireland will include a review of the workforce. Other commitments include specialist perinatal mental health services, and the development of managed care networks for child and adolescent mental health services and forensic mental health services by April next year. A new 10-year mental health strategy will also be developed by July 2021, and there will be a review into suicide and homicide. A permanent mental health champion will also be appointed by April 2021, with Professor Siobhan O’Neill from Ulster University taking up the post on an interim basis. Northern Ireland experiences higher levels of mental ill health than other parts of the UK or Ireland. Service users will also be more involved too: co-production will be embedded in all service improvement processes by March 2021, and structures will be put in place to ensure service user involvement by the end of this year. Health minister Robin Swann said: ‘The importance of this has been brought into sharp focus during these unprecedented times, when the mental health of the population is suffering as a result of the devastating impact of COVID-19. That is why the action plan includes a dedicated COVID-19 response plan, which outlines the psychological wellbeing and mental health response to the current pandemic.’ Genevieve Smyth, RCOT professional adviser, said: ‘RCOT is really keen to influence the development of the action plan and workforce review to promote the excellent work of our members. It’s great that this work can now start after significant delays and we are hopeful to further embed the links between occupation, mental health and wellbeing in these work streams.’ Read the full plan at: www.bit.do/NI-mental-health-plan. © GettyImages/solarseven The CareFlex Encylopedia of Specialist Seating The CareFlex Encyclopedia is the ultimate guide for professionals who assess individuals for specialist seating. This 168 page resource will help you prescribe appropriate seating systems that promote comfort, encourage function and, most importantly, improve quality of life. It will provide you with the knowledge needed to advocate on behalf of those who need specialist seating. We are exclusively offering OT News readers a £10 discount, with free delivery, when you purchase online: www.careflex.online/encyclopedia. Your Promo Code: GIFTFORYOU Valid until 31st August 2020, UK orders only. www.careflex.co.uk | [email protected] | 0800 018 6440 N203 12 OTnews July 2020