Occupational therapists across Scotland are calling on the new SNP Scottish government to take urgent action to strengthen health and social care by putting prevention, early intervention and community-based support at the heart of policy
The call comes in an open letter signed by almost 300 members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) in Scotland, highlighting the vital role occupational therapists play in prevention, early intervention and enabling people to do the things they want and have to do from neonatal care through to older age.
The call clearly sets out that prevention and community-based care must be central to the future of Scotland’s health and social care system.
The RCOT say that with services under sustained strain and almost four in ten adults in Scotland living with a long-term condition that limits daily life, a shift towards earlier support and care closer to home is essential.
Occupational therapists support people at every stage of life:
- helping children take part fully in education
- supporting people to remain in or return to work
- enabling older adults to live safely at home.
By focusing on the everyday activities that give life meaning and structure, also known as occupations, occupational therapy underpins health, wellbeing and participation for individuals, families and communities.
Katie MacGregor, RCOT Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland, says:
“If the Scottish government is serious about prevention, workforce participation and sustainable public services, occupational therapy must be central to the solution.
“Investing in occupational therapists is not an optional extra, it’s a cost-effective way to improve outcomes for people and reduce pressure on services.”
RCOT is calling on policymakers, local authorities, health boards and sector leaders to work with the profession to deliver these changes and ensure people across Scotland receive the right support at the right time.
Further information is available here: Why occupational therapy matters in Scotland
