Occupational Therapy News OTnews July 2019 | Page 9

NEWS Fitness for Work reports relaunch as AHP Health and Work Reports The Allied Health Professions Advisory Fitness for Work Report has been rebranded as the AHP Health and Work Report. The shorter title is intended to be more accessible and support greater use and understanding of the tool, which allows allied health professionals to provide advice and information about workplace modifications for return to work. The tool is used in all four UK countries and is appropriate for any physical or mental health work-related issue. It mirrors the GP Fit Note, but provides more personalised, detailed, specific advice. Using the tool can help reduce sickness absence and speed return to work as the longer a person is off sick, the less likely they are to return to the workplace. Genevieve Smyth, RCOT professional adviser, said: ‘The name change reflects an increasing recognition of the health benefits of good work, which matches the key focus of occupational therapy on supporting people’s work aspirations. We have heard so many great stories about how the report has helped people in the past and we look forward to hearing how this updated version will be used by members.’ The new report has also been recently added to the government’s web pages about taking sick leave, explaining that if employers agree, alternative evidence to a GP Fit Note, such as the AHP Health and Work Report, can be used. Access the new version at: www.rcot.co.uk/ahp-health-and- work-report. Seven occupational therapists make England’s AHP awards shortlist Seven occupational therapists have made the shortlist in England’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards. They include all three nominations for the HEE Workforce Award, with Lindsay Pyne from Bromley Healthcare, Deborah Andrew from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, and Rebecca Burgos and Paige Mills from Solent NHS Trust nominated for the prize. Carolyn Hague was nominated at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust for her work on enabling intermediate care for the NICE into Action award. Rob Molloy, who studied at Brunel University and took part in the Council of Deans of Health Student Leadership Programme, is nominated for AHP Student of the Year. Heather Scott is nominated for AHP Leader of the Year at the Hackney Ark, which supports families with disabilities and special educational needs. And Nicky Austin and Clare Barlow from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are nominated for the Quality Improvement award for their work on reducing AHP-related therapy days. The winners will be announced on 17 July. See the full list of nominees at: www.bit.do/CAHPO-nominations. Occupational therapists get ready for HCPC renewals round The biannual renewal period for occupational therapists with the Health and Care Professions Council gets underway on 1 August. All registered occupational therapists have to renew their registration to continue to practice. 2.5 per cent of occupational therapists will also be selected for audit of their continuing professional development activities. Dr Stephanie Tempest, RCOT’s professional development manager, said: ‘While thinking about CPD should not be a biannual event, this is a great opportunity to review how you currently do it. ‘RCOT has recently reorganised its CPD resources on its CPD@RCOT web pages, including a section where you can search for learning resources organised across the four pillars of the Career Development Framework. It’s an ideal way to support you to develop across each pillar: professional practice, facilitation of learning, leadership, and evidence, research and development. We also have a section to support you if you are selected for audit.’ Find the resources at: www.rcot.co.uk/cpd. The professional practice enquiry service can also support members who have questions on completing their portfolios. Contact the service on [email protected] or 020 7450 2330. 2.5 % of occupational therapists will be selected for audit by the HCPC OTnews July 2019 9