Occupational therapists gathered at Holyrood recently to celebrate occupational therapy in Scotland and raise awareness of the Improving Lives, Saving Money campaign.
Sponsored by MSP Lewis Macdonald, Convener of the Health and Sport Committee in Scotland, the reception welcomed guests from across the country. Speakers included Dr Macdonald, Dr Patricia McClure, Chair of RCOT Council and Alison Keir, RCOT’s Policy Officer.
From left: Dr Patricia McClure, Chair, RCOT Council, Alison Keir, Policy Officer, Scotland and Ken MacIntosh, Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament at the 'Showcasing Occupational Therapy in Scotland' event at the Scottish Parliament. 20 Nov 2018
Commenting on the evening, Dr Macdonald said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and occupational therapists from all over Scotland to the Scottish Parliament.
“It is vital that MSPs and Ministers understand and appreciate the importance of occupational therapists and allied health professionals to the successful future provision of health and social care in Scotland.
“The event provided an excellent opportunity for occupational therapists to engage with MSPs and to talk about their innovative local projects, but perhaps just as importantly, it raised the profile of occupational therapy among decision makers at the Scottish Parliament.”
RCOT Chair, Dr Patricia McClure said:
"The event was buzzing with occupational therapists from across Scotland enthusiastically promoting the wonderful work they do every day to help people live the lives they want to live. The interest and support of the MSPs evidenced their commitment to working with the profession to ensure people of all ages receive occupational therapy services in the right place at the right time. The role of occupational therapy in taking forward the prevention agenda was loud and clear!"
Lastly, RCOT Policy Officer for Scotland, Alison Keir said:
"The event was a fantastic evening celebrating occupational therapy across Scotland. Over 100 occupational therapists came to the event to showcase the work of occupational therapists working with all ages in health, social care, and the third sector as well as private practitioners. During the evening the occupational therapists networked with MSPs and colleagues to be loud and proud about occupational therapy.”