Occupational Therapy News OTnews July 2019 | Page 8

NEWS
Occupational therapists showcase pioneering vocational clinic
Senior health leaders have seen first-hand
a pioneering occupational therapy-led
vocational clinic in Southampton.
The OTVoc Clinics are designed
to help people with mental health
and musculoskeletal problems stay in
employment.
Based in GP surgeries, the clinics
see occupational therapists use the
AHP Health and Work Report to find
personalised solutions to help people
remain in work.
Representatives from the Department
for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the
Department for Health and Social Care
(DHSC) saw the work in action and met
with staff and service users.
Genevieve Smyth, RCOT professional
adviser, said: ‘This is a fantastic initiative
OTVoc Clinics help people stay in employment
that will save people’s lives. Time and time
again studies show that being in employment is one of the most
lives rather than feeling that the only options are the GP fit note or
important determinants of life expectancy and quality of life. It is
leaving the workplace.’
like a vaccine that keeps us mentally and physically well. Sadly,
Jackie Ardley, chief nurse at the Solent NHS Trust, said: ‘Solent
people who struggle with their mental health and MSK problems
is delighted to be leading on this partnership initiative. Our mission
are more likely to fall out of work. This pilot aims to change this.
is to keep people safe and well, achieving the highest standard of
‘The government has recognised that occupational therapists
living possible. This project speaks to our values as a community
are a vital part of the solution. At GP surgeries they work with
and mental health trust, whereby looking after physical and mental
people to provide personalised, tailored advice about health and
health empowers patients to achieve their goals.’
work to find a solution to help them stay in employment. This
The clinics were started after RCOT was awarded funding from
approach empowers people to be the architects of their own
the Challenge Fund, which is run by the DWP and DHSC.
RCOT launch care homes and equipment guide
RCOT has launched a new guide on care homes
and equipment which sets out the principles for the
assessment, maintenance and provision of equipment for
residents of care homes.
The guide will assist occupational therapists with local
decision-making and the timely provision of equipment. It will
also act as a reference point for anyone who needs to be aware
of the process for assessing and providing equipment for care
home residents.
The guide identifies a number of principles which need to
underpin planning for the provision equipment. It uses scenarios
to highlight a number of responsibilities and standards of
practice to help prioritise the importance of the person’s
wellbeing in the decision-making process.
Karin Orman, RCOT lead professional adviser, said: ‘This is
a really important guide. Current legislation does not provide
clear-cut answers concerning the provision and funding of
specialist equipment in care homes and this guide will give
8 OTnews July 2019
direction to everyone
involved in the
process.
‘The right piece of
equipment can make
a life changing impact
to a person’s life in
a care home and
this guide will help
everyone involved
with providing
and maintaining
equipment as
easily as possible.
Occupational therapy is all about person centred care and
these principles place the person at the heart of the planning,
decision-making and provision of equipment.’
Get the guide at: www.rcot.co.uk/node/2021.