In this issue , we hear from several occupational therapists who are already getting to work vaccinating colleagues and patients . On page 9 , Andrew Mickel talks to three volunteers who put themselves forward about why they volunteered to be part of the programme , and hears from Paul Cooper with some advice from the Royal College about the importance of administering the vaccine safely .
Then we hear from Jayne Seagrave , in a more in-depth feature about her experience of becoming a COVID-19 vaccinator . Jayne works in a large acute hospital and normally has two job roles ; one as a senior occupational therapist and the other as an allied health professions practice learning facilitator .
Last December , Jayne was redeployed for part of the working week to the vaccination programme . Initially ‘ surprised , exited , anxious and confused all at once ’, she talks through the training and support she received and the impact she is having on this ‘ historical ’ endeavour . Turn to pages 18 and 19 to find out more .
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way all of us have lived and worked , and at Addenbrooke ’ s Hospital , part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , the occupational therapy team has experiences dramatic changes to their practice ; albeit changes , they say , that have had a positive influence on the department and the recognition of the profession within the hospital . On pages 22 to 24 , Sarah Rimmer reflects on some of the the invaluable lessons learnt over the pandemic . Other features related to COVID-19 this month come from Lindsey Rigby , who reflects how PPE is impeding communication and is having a devastating impact on patients with hearing or communication impairments ; and Roisin Quinn , who reflects on her rapid , but ultimately brief , redeployment into the NHS Nightingale Hospital London ( page 25 ).
On a different note , new research suggests we could soon face a shortage of allied health professions academics . Making sure there are enough in occupational therapy is going to require us all to think differently about academic careers , hears Andrew Mickel on pages 26 to 28 .
And finally , we say goodbye and a huge thank you to outgoing chief executive Julia Scott and welcome Steve Ford , who has been announced as RCOT ’ s new chief executive and is set to take up his post on 6 April ( page 6 ). Julia will step down as chief executive of the Royal College at the end of this month . On page 16 , I talk to her about her 15-year journey leading the professional body and the changes she has driven during that time .
editor ’ s comment
Tracey Samuels , Editor
If you have any feedback about this issue of OTnews , or would like to contribute a short article or feature for a future publication , please email me at : editorial @ rcot . co . uk