Responding to the Welsh Government announcement that there will be a 10% increase in occupational therapy commissions from 2018 – 2020, Ruth Crowder of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists says:
“The Royal College of Occupational Therapists wholeheartedly welcomes today’s announcement, in particular the government’s pledge that the investment “must assist changes in the way services are delivered to deliver our aim of providing services closer to individuals’ homes as possible.”
This pledge is rooted in the recognition that using occupational therapists within the health and social care system makes a real difference in helping people avoid hospital admissions and, should they be admitted, supporting them to move back home and live safely and independently more quickly.
“Our 2016 report, Improving Lives, Saving Money, identified that 81% of patients who had fallen reported increased safety and confidence in their ability to undertake everyday activities as a result of the intervention of the occupational therapist employed in just one GP practice in south Pembrokeshire. The practice has since increased the number of occupational therapists to help improve people’s lives and reduce the pressure on GPs.
“It is really pleasing that the Welsh Government have recognised the way occupational therapists make a significant impact in improving people’s lives and saving money, and this increase in commissions will result in extra staff to deliver integrated care closer to home and support primary care. Today’s announcement is testament to all the hard work of all our colleagues across health and social care services in Wales, in collaboration with the government, to set out a clear road map towards delivering even better primary care services for people across Wales.”