OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY - MAKING A DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN

That this House supports Occupational Therapy Week focusing on the theme Occupational Therapy - Making a Difference, which runs from 7 to 13 November 2011, organised by the British Association and College of Occupational Therapists; congratulates occupational therapists employed in the Health Service, social care and across communities for their dedicated and vital work to aid the effective recovery of patients and allow them to recover ordinary lives; recognises that occupational therapists work in many spheres including those of children, young people and families, HIV/AIDS, oncology, palliative care, housing, mental health, neurological practice, older people, people with learning disabilities, rheumatology, and trauma and orthopaedics using the knowledge that occupation is essential to human existence and good health and well-being; urges the Government to continue to recognises that occupational therapists are a significant section of the NHS clinical and social care workforce; further urges the Government to promote this work through the Health and Social Care Bill, giving occupational therapists representation at all levels of decision-making; and recommends that all hon. Members visit an occupational therapy service in their local area to see the important work that is being done.