As the mental health crisis rages throughout our nation, the Scottish Government continues to fail to address the crucial role of occupational therapy for our forgotten citizens (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).
As Scotland contends with an escalating mental health crisis, it is heartbreaking to see the Scottish Government neglect the crucial role of occupational therapy in supporting our citizens. This oversight leaves countless individuals without the essential care they need to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. We must urgently address this gap and ensure that occupational therapy receives the recognition and support it deserves.
The shortage of occupational therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland is truly distasteful. These professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome physical, emotional, and social challenges, allowing them to achieve their full potential. The growing demand for occupational therapy services highlights the need for increased support and investment in this vital field.
Occupational therapists are essential in enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities, mental health issues, and other barriers to daily living. Their work improves individual well being and strengthens our community by encouraging independence and resilience.
In Edinburgh, the need for occupational therapists is particularly severe. According to the Scottish Health Survey, more than 1 in 3 people in Scotland are affected by mental health problems each year. Furthermore, in a report conducted by the Scottish Action for Mental Health, over 50,000 people were admitted to hospital with mental health conditions in 2023/24.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for more occupational therapists to provide timely and effective care. The impact of occupational therapy extends beyond individual patients. By helping people regain their independence and participate in daily activities, occupational therapists contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community.
Occupational therapists operate in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centres, providing support to individuals of all ages. In Edinburgh, iThrive’s mental health and wellbeing strategy emphasises the importance of supporting and promoting mental health in addition to addressing mental illness.
Occupational therapists are at the forefront of these efforts, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Despite the critical role of occupational therapists, there is a significant shortage of these professionals in Scotland. The Mental Health Inpatient Census 2022 revealed that there were 2,959 mental health, addiction, and learning disability inpatients in NHS Scotland at the time of the census.
This represents an 11% decrease compared with the 2019 Census and a 24% decrease since the first Census in 2014. The number of available beds for mental health, addiction, and learning disability patients has also been consistently decreasing, with a 12% decrease in available beds from the 2019 Census. These trends highlight the growing need for occupational therapists to provide essential care and support to those in need.
In a recent conversation with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, I heard about the ongoing shortage of occupational therapists having far-reaching consequences. It leads to longer waiting times for patients, reduced access to services, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers.
This delay in care can have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of young people, making it even more critical to address the shortage of occupational therapists. We also discussed the need to expand the therapy workforce and improve early intervention, supporting people to be economically active.
To address this urgent need, we must prioritise the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists in Edinburgh and across Scotland.
This requires increased investment in education and training programmes to ensure that we have enough qualified professionals to meet the growing demand. Additionally, we must provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain skilled occupational therapists. By investing in these professionals, we are investing in the future of our community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Furthermore, we must raise awareness about the importance of occupational therapy and the critical role these professionals play in our healthcare system. Public campaigns and early educational initiatives can help to highlight the value of occupational therapy and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in this field. Through promoting the benefits of occupational therapy, we can help to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system.
The need for occupational therapists in Edinburgh and Scotland is urgent and cannot be ignored. Here, we must value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. Let us work together to address this critical issue and build a healthier and more inclusive future for all.
