We explore what’s happening in the healthcare sector, from new products and services to inspirational stories
What’s new? OTS CAN NOW SIGN FIT NOTES In June, the government announced that more allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, will now have the authority to sign fit notes for patients. The new legislation will come into effect from 1 July 2022 across England, Wales and Scotland, and is designed to relieve the pressure on doctors and GPs. Occupational therapists, nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists will now be able to legally certify a fit note for a patient in general practice or hospital setting, authorising that the patient is fit for a return to work. Fit notes, which were brought into use in 2010, provide evidence to
your employer about your absence and any relevant advice on how to support you to remain in or return to work.
with DWP and being bold and progressive, we are happy to have helped opened this new opportunity for occupational therapists.
Previously these notes could only be signed by a doctor, but by enabling more allied health professionals to assess and authorise a fit note, this will not only ease the pressure on doctors and GPs, but will open up more lines of communication for patients to discuss health and wellbeing concerns with the relevant health professional to them.
“Workers and employers are crying out for more help to support people with health problems to stay in work where they are able to do so. These new changes mean occupational therapists are directly able to provide that advice.”
Director of practice and innovation, at The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Karin Orman, said: “By joining forces
In April this year changes were made that allowed fit notes to be issued digitally, making the process far more efficient for all involved. This further change will further increase efficiency for employees, employers, doctors and GPs.
Southampton OT students collaborate with charity Occupational therapy students at the University of Southampton have partnered with Southampton Living Well (SLW) to help improve mental health and wellbeing among their service users.
in their community and help create activities they would enjoy.
Six students from the university are engaging in activities with the older people supported by SLW, taking part in flowerpot decorating and seed sowing, while getting to know them.
“During the first week, the students chatted with the individuals we support and got to know each other better. They then returned the following week to decorate flower pots together. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, and our customers all looked forward to seeing the students again.
Alison Fisher, day opportunities manager at SLW, said: “We were thrilled to be contacted by Fay Hughes an occupational therapy lecturer from the University of Southampton and were so pleased that she had a group of students that wanted to meet some older people
“The week after, they all filled the pots with soil and sowed seeds and our customers are loving watching what they planted grow. Having the students interact and spend time with our customer is fantastic and has really brightened everyone’s days. Intergenerational contact is so
important, and it proves that people of all ages can get along together and share interests.” Student Emily Edwards said: “As a group of six occupational therapy students we planned an activity based around decorating plant pots and planting seeds. We felt a real sense of connection with the customers throughout the activity, with everyone expressing a part of themself through their pot. Everyone chatted and joked throughout the session, and we all agreed we could have carried on all afternoon! “We are grateful to the Living Well programme for facilitating this experience and the brilliant work that they carry out.” www.
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