Occupational Therapy Week 2021

That the Parliament welcomes Occupational Therapy Week 2021, which takes place between 1 and 7 November; notes that the theme of this year’s campaign is health equity; applauds the aim of ensuring all people have the fair opportunity to live a long, healthy life; understands that there are over 3,500 occupational therapists in Scotland who are employed in the health service, social care, and across communities; acknowledges the view that occupational therapists have a unique skillset and that they are already ingrained in the what are seen as the three key routes out of poverty: education, housing, and jobs, and that by working in these areas it is suggested that occupational therapists can tackle the causes rather than the symptoms of health inequality; believes occupational therapists are an asset to the NHS, social care, and the people of Scotland and commends them for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, at which time many went above and beyond the call of duty in order to care for and aid the effective recovery of patients and allow them to go on to lead their lives; urges the Scottish Government to continue to recognise that occupational therapists are a significant section of the health and social care workforce, and further urges the Scottish Government to promote this work through the National Care Service, giving occupational therapists representation at all levels of decision-making.