Thank you to all those members who have contacted us regarding the BBC drama Care which aired on Sunday 9 December. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists shares your view that the portrayal of our profession in the programme did not do justice to the vast amount of excellent occupational therapy practice that happens in our health and social care systems on a daily basis. We have tweeted the BBC (the text is below if you are not on Twitter), to draw attention to this and to invite the BBC to consult with us on any future portrayals of occupational therapy.
Whilst this portrayal is an inaccurate representation of the profession, especially to those of us who take pride in delivering high quality care, we recognise the dramatic context of the programme. With Care, the BBC are trying to raise awareness of very real shortages in the care system and the difficulties faced by some families in getting the right support for their loved ones, as well as the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
We will continue to lobby decision makers and government on the value of our profession and the need for properly funded, intelligent deployment of occupational therapy. We hope that one day soon broadcasters such as the BBC might not have to make such hard-hitting dramas to highlight the problems in our health and social care system.
Tweet 1 (published Monday 10 December 2018)
.@BBCOne There are many examples of excellent care and support that make a real difference to people's lives. @theRCOT is open to collaboration and consultation in the future.
Tweet 2 (published Monday 10 December 2018)
.@BBCOne Good to highlight issues within the system, but a shame that last night's drama #Care was only able to show an instance of bad practice and mismanagement when portraying occupational therapy within the care pathway to stroke patients.