Awards Feature
Fellowships Awards
Fellowship Awards – RCOT ’ s highest – are given to members for exceptional service and outstanding contribution to the profession during their career ; 117 have been awarded since 1972 and the following six people received Fellowships in 2022 .
Dee Christie
Dee Christie has made many diverse contributions to our profession and was nominated for a Fellowship as a ‘ born leader ’, being described by colleagues as ‘ creative , innovative , energetic and ahead of her time ’.
Dee qualified as an occupational therapist in 1974 and had a long and fulfilling career , working as a clinician , service manager and leader . Initially working in neuro-rehabilitation at the National Hospital in London , she moved to social care in 1978 and spent the remainder of her career in that sector .
In 1987 , she was appointed to set up a new countywide occupational therapy service for West Sussex County Council , remaining in post until her retirement in 2014 . During that time the service quadrupled in size as Dee took a strong focus on managing , leading and transforming a wide range of community services .
Investing in workforce development was a cornerstone of Dee ’ s work in building occupational therapy services in social care . While at the end of her career with West Sussex , Dee led the development of a first point of contact for referrals to adult social care , focusing on supporting people to remain in their own home . This was a rare opportunity for occupational therapy to play a leading role in the transformation of social care services .
Throughout her career Dee has been committed to occupational therapy nationally by serving on numerous RCOT committees , including regional committees , RCOT national boards and as Chairman of Council , from 2006 to 2009 .
Dee ’ s career-long drive to deliver community rehabilitation and to support evidence informed practice has continued after retirement , with a number of prestigious appointments with the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence and as Chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust .
Dee says : ‘ It is a huge honour to receive a Fellowship from RCOT . In my long career I ’ ve been fortunate to have many and varied opportunities and hope that my contribution had made a difference to furthering our profession .’
In my long career I ’ ve been fortunate to have many and varied opportunities and hope that my contribution had made a difference to furthering our profession .”
Dee Christie
Paul Devlin MBE
Paul Devlin MBE , Occupational Therapy Service Lead and Pre-Registration Professional Practice Education Lead for Occupational Therapy , South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust , has had a long-distinguished career as an occupational therapy practitioner , educator and leader .
With a well-deserved reputation as a farsighted visionary , often ahead of legislation , with an ability to confront the challenges of healthcare ’ s ongoing transformation , and in doing so make great strides in the evolution and strategic development of occupational therapy in Northern Ireland , Paul has played a significant role in the progress and expansion of occupational therapy .
His position within the profession carries a high level of credibility through his work over many years as an office bearer in regional and national executive groups of BAOT / RCOT .
He is a former Council Member for Northern Ireland , Vice-Chairman of Council and UK 1st Alternate delegate to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists .
Paul Devlin MBE
November 2022 OTnews 53