Julia Scott RCOT image
Julia Scott, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Commenting on the CQC’s recent State of Care report, which assesses the state of health and social care in the UK, Julia Scott, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists highlights the importance of occupational therapists in reducing pressure in hospitals.


“One of the key barriers to better quality care indicated in today’s CQC report is the fact that a third of NHS acute services require improvement. As CQC CEO Ian Trenholm quite rightly identified on this morning’s Radio 4 Today programme, many delays in hospitals could be avoided, and better care delivered, with increased utilisation of occupational therapy services. 

“The Royal College has robust evidence from the front line to demonstrate that intelligent use of occupational therapy reduces pressure on hospitals. Our Improving lives, Saving Money reports document the many ways that occupational therapy does this – from supporting swift discharges by leading on the planning and transition from hospitals into therapy led rehabilitation – ensuring patients do not need re-admittance to hospital; to preventing many older, vulnerable or frail individuals from entering the acute system in the first instance by enabling them to be supported and kept well at home through primary, social and community services.

“We welcome Mr Trenholm’s observations on the effectiveness of occupational therapy and urge health & social care leaders and commissioners to utilise occupational therapy services to drive forward higher standards of care.”

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