Occupational Therapy News OTnews November 2019 | Page 13

NEWS Questions for candidates on your doorstep during the general election RCOT has released some questions for members to use with candidates during the general election campaign. The election will be held on 12 December, and although Brexit is expected to be a major focus of the campaign, health and social care are also likely to be major issues. Ben Powick, RCOT policy and public affairs manager, said: ‘[Another] general election gives us a fantastic opportunity to raise the occupational therapy agenda. ‘Of course, responsibility for health, social care and education is devolved to each nation in the UK. We will be posting some key questions to candidates on our social media during the campaign to make candidates aware of the amazing and diverse work that we do in health, social care and education. ‘Check out our website where we will be posting further questions for candidates across each nation. As a membership organisation, it is you the members who are the “feet on the ground” campaigners who will be able to hold political parties to account and find out what they will do to help tackle the challenges that our profession and the wider healthcare agenda is facing – you can use the below as a starter for six.’ RCOT is suggesting these questions if you meet any candidates: •  What do you plan to do to ensure that allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, are supported and continued to be recognised as a key part of the health and social care agenda?  NEW Product •  How does your party plan to support people with health conditions to live well at home in their communities? What is your party’s commitment to rehabilitation?  •  How would you help tackle the increasing demand on GP practices, A&E and hospitals generally to make sure people are getting the support they need in their communities? ​ •  With occupational therapists now on the shortage list of professions, how would you encourage people of all ages to consider occupational therapy as a career?  •  What is your party’s commitment to ensure good quality housing for people with disabilities and long term health conditions? •  How does your party propose to support young people with mental health problems to do well in school and higher education? If you are looking in a party manifesto, RCOT suggests thinking about these three key points: • ​Is there anything about the role of rehabilitation in health and social care? Is there recognition of the importance of rehabilitation to manage long-term health conditions? • Is there anything to address the workforce crisis that is engulfing the NHS? Do they have a proposal to tackle the workforce problem? • Do they have proposals on the pressures on social care? Any members who are looking to engage with prospective candidates can email Ben on: [email protected]. Lumbar Support Shower Seat Ensuring comfort for people who need to sit when showering. Height adjustable lumbar cushion Maintain spines natural ‘S’ curve Adjustable lumbar support with multiple height positions Promotes a healthy ergonomic sitting position TRY ME! Follow us: Patent pending Multiple adjustment positions High contrast blue option also assists visually impaired Call to arrange a demonstration to see the full benefits or visit www.contour-showers.co.uk T: 01606 592586 E: [email protected] W: www.contour-showers.co.uk Scan for more information built-in independence N205 OTnews November 2019 13