The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and the City of Wolverhampton Adult Social Care occupational therapists were delighted to welcome Eleanor Smith, MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Adult Social Care, to Action for Independence last week.
The visit to showcased how occupational therapists are key in delivering social care services to people in Wolverhampton. Occupational therapy leaders from Local Authority social care services in the West Midlands attended sharing with Ms Smith the different ways that occupational therapists are making a difference to people’s lives and are relieving the pressure on social care throughout the region. The services showcased ranged from social care occupational therapists in GP practices to a mobile assessment service and a one-stop shop in the centre of Wolverhampton providing advice and key pieces of assistive technology.
At the visit Ms Smith heard how occupational therapists are establishing new services where people can make informed decision on the support they need. The focus on early intervention for prevention was also a key theme. In addition, RCOT shared national perspectives on social care occupational therapy and spoke about the new Relieving the pressure on social care: the value of occupational therapy report.
The visit was organised by RCOT in conjunction with the West Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Principal Occupational Therapists Group.
Commenting on the day, Karin Orman, Assistant Director – Professional Practice, RCOT said: “We were delighted that Ms Smith was able to visit her local services in Wolverhampton today and it was great be able to share with her an insight into the range of innovative services provided. As we await developments from the new government on social care policy, I hope she will take the message of the value of occupational therapy back to Westminster and share it with her colleagues in the APPG and the Labour Party.
Occupational therapy spans across primary, secondary and community care, working with people of all ages and addressing mental and physical health and wellbeing. Our Improving Lives Saving Money reports consistently demonstrate the value of occupational therapy in delivered person-centric health and social care. The fantastic occupational therapists in the West Midlands are a great example of this and it’s been a delight to meet them here today.”