Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy provides practical support to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing people from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them.

This support can increase people’s independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life (RCOT, 2019). For more information, visit: www.rcot.co.uk

The way you access these services in North Yorkshire will depend on why you need Occupational Therapy.

Health Occupational Therapy

If you have a short-term condition, for example, if you need support following an operation, you will access services through the NHS, and you should speak to one of the healthcare professionals treating you. They will discuss your needs with you and decide if you would benefit from Occupational Therapy and, if so, will arrange an assessment with an Occupational Therapist (OT) as part of your care.

The Health Occupational Therapy service covers hospital stays and returning home. It provides a specialist therapeutic service, including assessment, treatment and ensuring a safe discharge back home after hospital admission.

Local council Occupational Therapy

For ongoing difficulties in your home due to your health, Occupational Therapy can be accessed through your local council. You should contact our Customer Service Centre on: 01609 780780 to arrange a needs assessment with an OT. Or you may be referred to another health or social care professional, whoever is more appropriate.

Private Occupational Therapy

If you do not want to access Occupational Therapy through the NHS or North Yorkshire County Council, you could contact an OT directly.

If you decide to see a private OT, make sure they are fully qualified and registered through the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are a member of a recognised body, such as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists:

www.rcotss-ip.org.uk/find

Only healthcare professionals who are registered with the HCPC can use the title of ‘Occupational Therapist’. You can see if your OT is registered by checking the HCPC online register:

www.hcpc-uk.org

An OT can carry out an assessment to identify what areas of your everyday life are causing problems. They will discuss your needs with you and explain what help is available. An assessment and any advice or information provided by a Health or local authority OT should be free; services resulting from this assessment may be chargeable. A private OT may charge you for any assessment, information or services.

Visit: www.northyorkshireconnect.org.uk for community and voluntary organisations that can provide advice and support.

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