NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF
TICKETS ON SALE FOR RCOT ’ S FIRST EVER VIRTUAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Tickets are now on sale for RCOT ’ s first ever virtual annual conference . A ticket offers on-demand access to the two-day event ’ s full programme , both during and after the conference , ensuring members don ’ t have to miss a thing . The programme includes interactive sessions , informative discussions , skills exchanges and demonstrations . The event will be held on Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July , with some content available in advance . Find out more and purchase a ticket at : www . rcot . co . uk / annual-conference .
DRAFT JOB DESCRIPTION PUBLISHED FOR ENGLAND ’ S OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN PRIMARY CARE
New job descriptions have been published by NHS England for primary care networks ( PCNs ) to recruit allied health professionals , including a five-page description for occupational therapists . New funding last year meant that the average PCN has been able to take on around seven new full-time equivalent posts through NHS England ’ s additional roles reimbursement scheme . Download the description at : www . england . nhs . uk / ahp / ahps-in-primary-care-networks .
HCPC PLANS PREVENTATIVE APPROACH TO REDUCE NUMBER OF FITNESS TO PRACTISE CONCERNS
The Health and Care Professions Council ( HCPC ) is planning a preventative approach to regulation as part of its new five-year corporate strategy . It hopes that by articulating expected standards and helping registrants overcome any barriers they face in meeting them that it can ultimately reduce the number of fitness to practise concerns . Other ambitions involve embedding a flexible and agile approach learned during COVID-19 into everyday work , and focusing on public safety . Read the plan at : www . hcpc-uk . org / about-us / what-we-do / corporate-strategy .
NORTHERN IRELAND ’ S 10-YEAR MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY OUT FOR CONSULTATION
The new 10-year strategy for mental health in Northern Ireland is now out for review . Proposed actions include more responsibility for GPs ,
more talking therapies managed by primary care , better integration between the statutory , community and voluntary sectors , and the creation of a single mental service . Improvements to children ’ s and families ’ mental health are also proposed . If you have any views then please send them by 12 March to : genevieve . smyth @ rcot . co . uk and read the new consultation at : www . health-ni . gov . uk / mentalhealthstrategy .
RCOT publishes manifesto for the 2021 Scottish election
RCOT is calling for occupational therapy to be at the forefront of the new Scottish Government ’ s commitment to healthcare in its 2021 Scottish election manifesto . The manifesto was sent to parties at the end of last year to encourage them to consider the key asks when writing their own manifestoes . The Royal College ’ s key asks include :
• building a multidisciplinary workforce within GP practices to support people within their communities ;
• increasing occupational therapy services for children and young people to address physical and mental health needs early ;
• ensuring the right to community rehabilitation ; and
• delivering parity between health and social care . Alison Keir , RCOT ’ s professional practice lead in Scotland , said : ‘ Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting the nation ’ s health and care services , improving lives , relieving pressure on emergency services and saving money .
‘ We are calling on the new Scottish Government to support access to occupational therapy services aid the nation ’ s recovery from COVID-19 and support individuals to be happy and productive citizens . By supporting candidates that have committed to our key asks , occupational therapists will be best placed to assist their service users and support heath , social care , and the third sector in Scotland .’
Scottish members are encouraged to engage with this year ’ s elections , and petition their candidates to
commit to supporting the key asks should they be elected . More information will be made available in the coming months .
Read the Scottish manifesto at : www . rcot . co . uk / news / rcot-publishes-scottish-electionmanifesto-2021 .
12 OTnews February 2021