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Occupational therapist recognised as an inspirational leader in Wales
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Wales Awards are managed and organised by The Ajuda Foundation , a community interest company that promotes positive mental health in organisations , individuals and communities across Wales .
This year ’ s Inspirational Leader Award , sponsored by Effective HRM , has gone to occupational therapist Keir Harding .
The judges said that ‘ Kier has repeatedly shown himself to be an inspirational force who has dedicated his life to improving mental health and wellbeing in Wales and beyond , working with survivors of trauma , listening to them and championing their needs .
‘ He is someone who is highly motivated , driven , and able to forge a pathway through bureaucracy , breaking down barriers and holding himself up as an example of someone who values his failures as well as his successes . He is open , genuine and a leader pushing boundaries in order to bring about real change in the field of mental health ’.
Find out more at https :// bit . ly / 47LkJOL .
Enhancing patient care through independent prescribing for occupational therapists
In a letter to Victoria Atkins MP , Secretary of State for Health and Social Care , on why it ’ s important to extend independent prescribing responsibilities to occupational therapists , Karin Orman , RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation , said the move would empower occupational therapists to provide precise , patient-centred care , in line with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and Major Conditions Strategy .
Karin added that ‘ workforce shortages make this step essential ’. She said : ‘ Not having prescribing responsibilities stops us from fully realising the Workforce Plan ’ s aspiration of “ enhancing the scope and reach of AHP roles to help manage demand most productively ”.
‘ Occupational therapists who can prescribe medication offer a more adaptable , patientfocused service , reduce reliance on referrals , streamline service delivery , and minimise duplication of care . This approach enhances healthcare efficiency and reduces the chance of emergency admissions or readmissions .
‘ Our concerns also extend to the impact on career development , recruitment and retention within the occupational therapy profession .
A growing number of job advertisements for advanced practitioners now ask for prescribing responsibilities , limiting the career progression prospects for our expert colleagues .
‘ This is an obstacle to our profession ’ s progress and hinders the Workforce Plan ’ s goal of having more advanced practitioners and independent prescribers in our field .’
She concluded by saying : ‘ We appreciate the Workforce Plan ’ s recommendations for addressing shortages , including occupational therapy , but we ’ re concerned about the limited access to Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC ) prescribing qualifications .
‘ Without this capability , we risk failing to attract , reform and retain the occupational therapy workforce which is key to achieving the goals outlined in these documents .
‘ As previously emphasised in our correspondence with the Secretary of State as part of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance , granting independent prescribing responsibilities is a practical and immediate step that supports patient care , reduces administrative burdens , and addresses workforce challenges .’
Read the letter at https :// bit . ly / 3RmiQ5p .
6 OTnews December 2023