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.