Princess Royal’s
75 years
visit marks
of Occupational Therapy education in Scotland
Professor Averil Stewart awards Rocco Angarola
Q
Princess Royal watches student demonstrations in
the Occupational Performance Room
Princess Royal talks with OT students
MU was delighted to receive an official visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on 18th
January this year. The occasion marked 75 years of occupational therapy education in Scotland and
celebrated the contribution made by occupational therapists to service users and clients, communities,
organisations, and society.
The Princess Royal has been Patron of the College of
Occupational Therapists, the UK’s professional body for
occupational therapists, since 1987. The celebratory event
was hosted by both the College of Occupational Therapists
and QMU.
The visit provided The Princess Royal with the opportunity
to meet the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate
occupational therapy students. Graduates and staff who
had made a significant contribution to the profession
and to the development of occupational therapy locally,
nationally, and internationally, also took part. The Princess
Royal also opened the Occupational Performance Room
which is a simulated suite where students can practise the
skills of active daily living. The Princess then met university
researchers who showcased some of their innovative
developments and demonstrated their impact on services.
The event brought together a range of Scottish
educationalists; MSPs and local policy makers and
influencers; university and college representatives; partners
a nd supporters; and students, staff and graduates. The
day was great fun for all concerned and the Royal visit
was concluded with a celebratory reception involving 450
people. ❒
Linda Renton, Professional Lead in Occupational Therapy
at QMU, explained: “Occupational therapists have been
educated in Edinburgh since 1937 and since then, Scotland
has been at the forefront of the profession’s education and
practice.
“This was the third occasion The Princess Royal has
visited QMU and we were delighted that she continues
to take such an active interest in the development of the
profession in Scotland, which has produced so many
excellent occupational therapists over the past 75 years”.
Julia Scott, Chief Executive of the College of Occupational
Therapists, said: “QMU is an exemplary educator and
an excellent training ground for a successful career in
occupational therapy. They have spent many years training,
nurturing and preparing students to excel in their new career,
and become the future leaders of our profession. Their
contribution to the occupational therapy workforce
has been outstanding.”
The event also saw Professor Emeritus Averil
Stewart, the first professor of occupational therapy
in the UK and former Head of Occupational
Therapy at QMU, present the first inaugural
Professor Stewart International Award to QMU
OT graduate, Rocco Angarola.
QMYOU / Royal Visit
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