A survey by disability charity Livability found that: - Nine out of 10 disabled young people have never heard of individual budgets. - 54% of those surveyed do not know which local authorities provide their services. - The findings likely raise concerns as individual budgets are being promoted by the government to give more control over care to disabled people.

1. OTnews
18(3) 2010
March
Occupational Therapy News
ISSN 0969-5095
published by the College of Occupational Therapists
The breakfast club
Using cooking with adolescents with eating disorders
to improve social engagement
Are you
engaged in
commissioning?
Come forward with
your ideas
Vocation
unwrapped
Helping clients arrive
at a chosen
vocation
Cover.indd 1 23/02/2010 11:20

2. N201
N207
Contents.indd 2 23/02/2010 10:54

3. CONTACTS EDITORIAL
WELCOME
Last month, OTnews was joined by a new permanent
part-time journalist, Andrew Mickel, who kicks off this issue
www.cot.org.uk by looking at Unison’s critical response to last month’s
Conservative Party health manifesto, which plans to put more
Occupational Therapy News is published on the 1st of each month by the attention into prevention, and for all providers to operate on
College of Occupational Therapists Ltd, a registered charity in England
and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573), 106-114 Borough a payment by results system through the whole of the NHS.
High Street, Southwark, London SE1 1LB. A letter by Karen Jennings, national secretary of the Tracey Samuels
union’s health group, claims that many policies on choice
Contacting OTN and payment by results are already being pursued by the
current government, and that that rather than axing all
For all EDITORIAL enquiries If you have any
tel: 020 7450 2339 or email: editorial@cot.co.uk targets, the Conservatives still plan to measure outcomes. feedback about
Turn to page 6 to find out more. this issue of OTnews,
For all ADVERTISING enquiries or would like to
Also in the news this month, the government has
tel: 020 7450 2341 or email: advertising@cot.co.uk contribute a short
announced its proposed changes to the Medical Statement, article or feature
to come into force from April this year. I talk to Anne Byrne, for a future
Contacting BAOT or COT publication, please
chair of the COT Specialist Section – Work about the
email me at:
For all GENERAL enquires College’s response to the original consultation. editorial@
tel: 020 7357 6480 cot.co.uk
Individual budgets are undoubtedly high on the
For all MEMBERSHIP or SUBSCRIPTION enquiries government’s agenda, with personalistion in health being
tel: 020 7450 2348 or email: membership@cot.co.uk widely propelled forward. So a survey by disability charity
Livability that says nine out of 10 disabled young people have
For all Unison enquiries
tel UNISONdirect: 0845 355 0845 never heard of individual budgets and, more worryingly, 54
per cent of those surveyed do not even know which local
OTN staff authorities provide their services, will likely raise some
eyebrows (page 7).
Editor Tracey Samuels
In features this month, OT Nicola Carlyle, on the contract
email: tracey.samuels@cot.co.uk
Journalist/Assistant editor Andrew Mickel monitoring team at Caerphilly County Borough Council,
email: andrew.mickel@cot.co.uk makes a plea for all ‘OTs, budding entrepreneurs and kindred
Production and design officer Marianne Taylor
spirits’, involved in the commissioning process, to come
email: marianne.taylor@cot.co.uk
Production and design officer Suzanne Jefferson forward and share ideas about innovative practice concerning
email: suzanne.jefferson@cot.co.uk commissioning operations (page 24).
Advertising manager Katy Eggleton
Then, on page 40, Marietta Birkholtz and Cara Lovell look
email: katy.eggleton@cot.co.uk
at the factors that influence people’s ability to get back to
British Journal of Occupational Therapy work after accident or illness, focusing on specific return to
email: elizabeth.thorogood@cot.co.uk
work models that can help OTs to help clients arrive at their
chosen vocation.
Copyright:
Copyright of the magazine is held by the College of Occupational Therapists. Still with vocational rehabilitation, on page 32, research
No part of Occupational Therapy News may be reproduced in any material OT Joanna Sweetland says that there is growing concern that
form (including photocopying, storing in any medium by electronic means or vocational rehabilitation services are inaccessible for people
transmitting) without the written permission of the copyright owner except
in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents with long-term neurological conditions.
Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing She is about to embark on a study, led by Dr Diane
Agency Ltd, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Visit: www.cla.co.uk or Playford and Dr Kate Radford, and funded by the National
email: licence@cla.co.uk
Institute for Health Research, to identify existing services and
Disclaimer: consider how they fit published recommendations, and
The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily would like to hear from members.
reflect those of the British Association/College of Occupational Therapists.
The publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of the
advertised products, services or events by the British Association/College of
Occupational Therapists.
A guide for contributors is available on request or on the website.
Deadlines:
(Editorial): 10th month prior (Advertising):14th month prior
Pre-press and printed in England by:
The Lavenham Press Ltd
Tel: 01787 247436
Cover: Özgür Donmaz
Tracey Samuels, Editor © iStockphoto.com
Contents.indd 3 23/02/2010 10:54

4. College of Occupational Therapists
34th Annual Conference and Exhibition
PLUS TWO
Specialist Sections’ Annual Conferences:
HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Palliative Care
and Older People
22–25 June 2010, Brighton Centre, Brighton, Sussex
College highlights
• Hear how to develop care for older people • Find out how personal health budgets will affect
as life expectancy increases from Heléna Herklots, you and how it can enhance your role
Service Director, Age Concern and Help the Aged
HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Palliative Care
• Prof. Sheila Payne, Vice President, European • Discover the implications concerning assessment
Association of Palliative Care will reveal how and treatment for HIV-related neuro-cognitive
OTs can support families and carers in providing impairment from Camilla Hawkins, OT from
palliative care Mildmay UK
Older People
• Learn about the opportunities for OTs as a result • Find out from Dr Dawn Skelton, a leading light
of the national dementia strategy from Prof. on falls prevention, how OTs can contribute to
Jane Gilliard from the DH. healthy ageing and falls prevention
Continuing Continuing
Professional Professional N208
Development Development
Continuing Enjoy huge savings – book the early bird rate by 16th April 2010 and receive TWO FREE publications
Continuing
Professional Professional
Development Provisional Programme available NOW – www.cot.org.uk/threeannualconferences
Development
Continuing Continuing
Professional Professional
Development Development Specialist Sections
HIV/AIDS, Oncology,
Continuing
Professional
Continuing
Professional Brighton Palliative Care
2010
Development Development
Older People
Continuing Continuing
Professional Professional
Development Development
ContinuingContents.indd 4
Continuing 23/02/2010 10:54
Professional Professional

5. CONTENTS
NEWS
NEWS
06 News
ABOUT COT
13 Policy Mental capital and wellbeing
14 Council Future proofing headquarters
16 Guidance Online assistive technology tool
18 Awards COT award reports
MEMBERS
19 BAOT/Unison Personal care issues and pay freeze concerns
20 Member activities Launch of a dementia cafe
ABOUT COT
22 Member activities Campaign for greener healthcare
23 Member achievements Raising money for spinal injury
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
44 Networking Professional networking opportunities
FEATURES
24 Those all important performance indicators
Nicola Carlyle calls on OTs in commissioning to come forward
25 The twists and turns of road safety assessments
MEMBERS
Paula O’Neill and Colette Hughes look at road safety assessments
26 Development of a breakfast group
A breakfast group for young adolescents with eating disorders
28 The role of art in recovery
Barbara Philipsz shares service user feedback from an arts group
30 Motivating clients to return to work
Helping OTs to help clients arrive at their chosen vocation
32 Vocational rehabilitation survey
Helping people with long-term neurological conditions into work
34 Developing a new model of practice
Andy Smith’s model of integrated vocational rehabilitation
NETWORKING
PROFESSIONAL
36 Walking on the road to mental health recovery
Helping patients in a low secure mental health setting to recover
PROFILES
46 Back in my day
Jill Wilson reflects on her personal journey since qualifying in 1959
REPORTS
38 Striding into the next decade – clowns and all
Are we fit for purpose, fit for practice? Peggy Frost reports
N208 40 COT study days
FEATURES
Facilitating group work and cycling for health
s 41 Promoting the profession throughout Europe
Kate Sheehan reports from the autumn COTEC meeting in Malta
42 Clinical academic training pathway
Elizabeth White reports from the NIHR workshop
43 Promoting social inclusion
Jane Melton reports on a royal event
Contents.indd 5 23/02/2010 10:54

6. NEWS
Fit notes to replace sick notes from April 2010
Following last year’s be able to state this in the
©istockphoto.com/Ron Hohenhaus
consultation on replacing ‘sick comments box.
notes’ with ‘fit notes’, the It seems that the onus will be
government has announced on the employer to make a
that, subject to Parliamentary decision as to whether they can
approval, it will be accommodate any changes to
implementing a number of facilitate a return to work.
changes to the Medical Anne Byrne, chair of the
Statement from April this year. COT Specialist Section – Work,
In its formal response to the helped COT to inform its
consultation, published on 29 response to the consultation.
February, the Department for She told OTnews: ‘The main
Work and Pensions (DWP) says points of my submission were list of “common types of work/ ‘In order to be seen as a
it will remove the option for a directed at the vagueness of the job changes” that may facilitate leader we need to take
doctor to state that their patient statement “maybe fit for work”, return to work, with the more opportunities such as this
is ‘fit for work’; instead the new as I felt that [this] would only specific recommendation for an consultation to indicate what we
format notes will have two be an effective addition to the assessment of the patient’s have to offer in this area of
options, ‘unfit for work’ or ‘may existing “unfit/fit” statements if functional abilities and the job practice, and also to give an
be fit for some work taking it was qualified with additional demands’. informed opinion on changes
account of the following advice’. advice, or led to a further ‘Occupational therapy that may affect our practice. The
In the case of the latter, the appropriate assessment of the should have a leading role in fact that some of the changes to
form allows doctors to suggest individual that would facilitate the assessment, rehabilitation the proposed new statement
various adaptations such as a a safe, suitable and sustained and the provision of advice to reflect our comments highlights
phased return to work, altered return to work.’ both employers and those the importance of participating
hours, amended duties and Anne said she also indicated workers who are off work and in such consultations.’
workplace adaptations. Where a that ‘occupational health, or are returning to work following
doctor considers another option better still, occupational injury, illness or disability,’ she ●● Tracey Samuels, editor,
is more appropriate, they will therapy, had to be added to the stressed. OTnews
NEWS
Parties put out their election stalls on health and social care
People aged over 65 will be to be released before the manifesto, which planned to scrap [health secretary] Andy
given up to six weeks’ support election. put more attention into Burnham’s recent “preferred
in their own homes after The national care service prevention, and for all providers provider” pledge, moving
being discharged from would form part of a plan to to operate on a payment by instead to an “any willing
hospital or residential care, shift more NHS treatment to results system through the provider” model of provision,
under plans unveiled by being delivered in people’s whole of the NHS. which would inevitably create
Labour for if they win a fourth homes, alongside a pledge to A letter by Karen Jennings, many more opportunities for
term. provide one-to-one nursing care national secretary of the union’s private sector incursion into
The policy would form part for the estimated 1.6 million health group, claimed that the NHS.’
of a national care service, who have, or have had, cancer many policies on choice, Anna Dixon, the acting chief
which would also fund home in the next five years. payment by results, and executive of health think tank
care for the most vulnerable The Conservatives claimed focusing on cancer, stroke and the King’s Fund, welcomed the
people. that more details were needed infection were already being party’s manifesto more warmly.
However, over half of the on how it would be funded. pursued by the government. Ms She said: ‘An independent
councillors in England who The launch is just part of a Jennings added that rather than board, changes to the way that
lead on adult social care flurry of activity about the axing all targets, as had drugs are approved and paid
co-wrote a letter to the Times shape of health and social care previously been claimed, ‘the for, and real budgets in the
claiming the plans were services after the election, Tories still plan to measure hands of GPs could
‘unclear, unfunded and are expected in May. outcomes and now only speak significantly change the way in
likely to have a significant The COT’s own manifesto is of scrapping “politically which the NHS operates. But
impact on existing local in the draft stage and will be motivated process targets”.’ more detail is needed before
services’. released by the next issue of The letter also said: ‘The the impact of such policies can
The details of a potential OTnews. document confirms that the big be properly understood.’
national care service will be Elsewhere, Unison dividing line between Labour
included in the green paper on responded critically to last and the Conservatives on the ●● Andrew Mickel, journalist,
adult social care, which is due month’s Conservative health NHS is that the Tories would OTnews
6 March 2010
News.indd 6 23/02/2010 10:49

7. NEWS
Nine out of 10 disabled young adults have ‘never heard
of individual budgets’
©istockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde
Nine out of 10 disabled young use an individual budget to telephone
adults have never heard of access services they currently in 103 local
individual budgets, according to cannot access, while only 24 per authorities.
a survey commissioned by cent said they would not want a Forty five
disability charity Livability. personal assistant. per cent of
This was despite 46 per cent Julia Skelton, head of local
of respondents claiming they professional practice at COT, authority
would be interested in having an said: ‘I’m disappointed that websites
individual budget if offered it. people have not heard of had no
The survey of 500 disabled individual budgets, but on the information
adults aged 16 to 24, conducted other hand there’s a lot of at all, while
by nfpSynergy in September different terminology used half of telephone enquiries were Mark Harper, shadow minister
2009, also showed that 54 per that’s confusing, such as direct misdirected. for disabled people, said: ‘There is
cent of the people surveyed did payments, personal budgets, The City of London and a clear role here for central
not even know which local and self-directed support.’ Portsmouth City Council were government to show more
authority provided their services. However, she added that the the only two authorities to get leadership and to impress upon
The findings are a knock to differences between social care perfect tens in each score, while local authorities the importance
local government’s ambitions to and health mean that the results 14 local authorities failed to of making these opportunities
provide individual budgets, as do not necessarily bode badly provide any information by available for disabled people.’
younger disabled adults have for personalisation in health either medium. Livability is calling on the
NEWS
been considered a forerunner care: ‘People are more aware The results also showed that government to launch a
group in their uptake. As part of where their hospital is than the individual budget pilot national campaign to raise
the Putting People First agenda, where their local authority is so sites, which have offered the awareness, and for local
30 per cent of those who are I don’t think it’s the same.’ budgets the longest, did not authorities and PCTs to consult
eligible for social care support In a separate systematic necessarily have higher levels and engage with disabled
should have an individual review by Livability, a mystery of awareness. Original pilot site people about what they want.
budget by 2011. shopper rated the information East Sussex County Council
Fifty three per cent of available about individual came 77th out of the 103 local ●● Andrew Mickel, journalist,
respondents said they would budgets on the internet and by authorities. OTnews
Parents of disabled children not getting support for children’s emotional and mental problems
A third of parents with disabled ‘COT is pleased to welcome the independent review of CAMHS staff, long waiting lists, and
children do not get the support release of this report that clearly (Keeping children and young children not fitting into any
they want for their children’s shows that disabled children people in mind 2010), which criteria of support.
emotional and mental problems, frequently experience additional describes how professionals can Parents felt that there was
a new survey has shown. emotional and mental health work together to improve little professional help
The survey of over 100 problems. It is saddening to responses, will rectify this available to create strategies to
parents, conducted by hear that parents either do not situation.’ deal with their children’s
children’s mental health charity receive help or feel this help is Barriers to accessing services problems. Strategies used
YoungMinds, found that 87 per lacking. We would hope that mentioned by respondents included reward charts and
cent of parents felt there were the recently-released included a lack of available visual cues, identifying
barriers to accessing help for government response to the services, uncaring attitudes of calming activities for their
them, while only 68 per cent child, and using distraction,
©istockphoto.com
received any help. Less than relaxation and exercise
two thirds of those who did techniques.
receive help found it useful, One respondent said: ‘Social
while one parent claimed that services need to be able to react
CAMHS (child and adolescent when problems are still small,
mental health services) told her not to wait until it has been
to ignore her son’s self-harming worked up into a major issue. I
and depression until his don’t know if it really is due to a
behaviour reached crisis point. lack of resources or the mindset
Genevieve Smyth, of wait and see, but it’s wrong
professional affairs officer, said: and people suffer.’
March 2010 7
News.indd 7 23/02/2010 10:49

8. NEWS
COT boss advises Invest in people’s independence to save
on formation of
new national future costs, warn two major studies
college of social Health and social care systems preventing repeated admissions lead to costs doubling in the
work need to focus on supporting of older people and reducing next decade.
people’s independence to cope their length of stay in hospitals. The case for social care reform
Julia Scott, with pressures on their budgets, The report also said that – the wider economic and social
chief two separate major reviews have more work was needed on benefits said a more preventative
executive warned. safeguarding and training, service was needed, and
of COT, The first annual review of noting that providing attributed the failure to create
has been health and social care in mandatory training had the one so far to many factors
advising England by the Care Quality lowest compliance of all NHS including the long-term
the Social Commission (CQC) said that standards. outcomes of prevention not
Care 1.7 million more adults will Julia Skelton, COT head of matching shorter term political
Institute need care and support by 2030. professional practice, welcomed timescales, and the difficulties of
for Dame Jo Williams, interim chair the report and said: ‘The proving the efficacy of
Excellence on the setting up of of CQC, said that delivering College has long advocated prevention.
a national college of social changes to support those people more integration of services, The study suggested that
work (OTnews October 2009, would require ‘helping people following Interface to integration strategic commissioning,
page 14). maintain their independence [the College’s strategy to collaboration between health
The college of social work is and health’. integrate health and social care and social care, more
being developed from a While the report said there in 2002]. We would support it personalisation, better use of IT
recommendation by the Social have been improvements in the where it is appropriate along the and assistive technology and
Work Task Force, which was last year, it claimed that future lines of increased productivity workforce reform could allow
set up in the aftermath of the pressures on finances will and better services for users.’ spending to stay near current
Baby Peter case to examine the require reforms to be sped up. The CQC report also urged levels, even with an ageing
work of the profession. It cited the rapid expansion of the acceleration of person- population.
services to prevent unnecessary centred care, stating that In addition to saved social
emergency admissions as a billions could be saved by care costs, the report said that
positive area, with the number of enabling people to manage billions would be saved in
people accessing such services long-term conditions at home, knock-on effects to other
NEWS
up from 80,000 in 2004 to which Julia said OTs were ‘well- services, such as reduced
148,000 in 2009. placed to deliver’. emergency admissions, and
However, there is a wide A separate report, sponsored reduced benefits to both service
variation in how well services by the Department of Health users and carers if they were
are applied – the review and written by Professor Jon supported in employment.
estimates that £2 billion a year Glasby at Birmingham
could be saved if all the country University, warned that failure ●● Andrew Mickel, journalist,
was as good as the best areas at to reform adult social care could OTnews
©istockphoto.com
To support the
developments of a new
structure, Scott has held
ongoing meetings to advise
about governance. She said: ‘In
the spirit of partnership
working the College [of
Occupational Therapists] is
pleased to support the
development of the college of
social work, which will
©istockphoto.com
support a group of
professionals who work closely
with OTs in the field.’
8 March 2010
©
Ca
News.indd 8 23/02/2010 10:49

9. N212
tand E0
a tS
s u
Visit
We will be exhibiting our new huggle
range at the Kidz in the Middle
exhibition at the Ricoh Arena in
Coventry on the 11th March.
Please come and visit us on stand E0
©
CareFlex Ltd 2010
News.indd 9 23/02/2010 10:49

10. NEWS
Equipment amnesty
launched in Norfolk
First of community equipment scheme
to save cash sites starts work
An amnesty of equipment has A new method of providing
been launched by Norfolk community equipment has
County Council adult social begun in the London Boroughs
services to try and of Barking and Dagenham and
recoup the value of Havering.
items that have been Previously, an OT would
provided and not assess a user’s needs, and then
returned. arrange for equipment to be
The first two of supplied by council-run
©istockphoto.com/Rich Legg
five amnesty sessions services.
have so far yielded 25 Users will continue to have
items. an OT visit, but they will now
In 2009, the get a prescription that they can
©istockphoto.com
Community use to get equipment free of
Equipment Service charge from retailers. The plan
delivered 66,000 is intended to provide users
items of equipment with greater choice from the 34 Dagenham, told OTnews that of the delivery of items to a
and collected trained and accredited retailers the new system will allow them retail model in England. The
33,000 items, from which £3.2 across both boroughs, which to focus on more complex cases. project started in September,
million worth was reused. includes two mobile shops. She said: ‘It’s still early days. with the first new prescriptions
Sarah Ellis, head of Users will get We’ve done in the region of 40 written in January.
occupational therapy for demonstrations of the to 50 prescriptions so far, but People not eligible for
Norfolk County Council, said: equipment in store. A follow-up we’ve got positive feedback council help can also use shops,
‘Many people might think that phone call after they have used from the service users who have while users who do get council
it isn’t important to return the items will replace the it in their homes.’ assistance can ‘top up’ their own
equipment or might not know previous system of having a Barking and Dagenham and allocation to get better
how to. Sometimes people hang second visit by an occupational Havering are two of the leading equipment.
on to items after they have therapist. sites in the Department of It is estimated that around
NEWS
recovered from an illness or Gillian Perkins, team Health’s work on Transforming 80 per cent of equipment will
operation ‘just in case’ they manager for the community Community Equipment be issued under the new
might need them again.’ disability service in Barking and Services, which will move much scheme.
Independent OTs may need to register with Vetting and Barring scheme
Self-employed and private self-employed and private registered. I believe
occupational therapists may be practitioners would need to that this is the correct
required to register with the register with the scheme. The approach given the
Vetting and Barring Scheme. Department of Health has nature of the
The scheme requires people confirmed that review will intervention that we
who regularly work with include OTs, although there is offer.
children or vulnerable adults in no timetable for when the The original plan
England, Wales and Northern review will be concluded. would have required
Ireland to register with the Sharmin Campbell, chair of an estimated 11
Independent Safeguarding the COT Specialist Section – million people to
Authority. However, a review of Independent Practice, says that register, while the
the new scheme before she does not believe independent revised plans will
Christmas by Sir Roger Singleton OTs should need to register: require around nine
concluded that the scheme was ‘Most self-employed million people to do
too extensive, echoing sweeping occupational therapists working so.
public criticism of the new with children and vulnerable OTs who are
required checks. adults will offer a service in the employed by local
©istockphoto.com
All recommendations made home and through private authorities or the NHS
by Sir Roger Singleton were arrangement, and therefore as will also be required to
accepted by government, the law currently stands, there is register with the
including a review of whether no requirement for them to be scheme.
10 March 2010
News.indd 10 23/02/2010 10:50

11. NEWS
National Cancer Action Team launches Number of people
with dementia
cancer rehabilitation pathways estimated up to
820,000
©istockphoto.com
New care pathways for cancer
rehabilitation were launched in The number of people in the
January this year, and represent UK with dementia has been
the culmination of a great deal estimated up to 820,000. The
of hard work to improve figures, compiled by the
services for people with cancer. Alzheimer’s Research Trust,
The incidence of cancer is had previously stood at
rising, partly due to an ageing 700,000. The number of
population and partly due to the people with a cognitive
good news that many more impairment, which is typically
people are surviving with a caused by dementia, is
diagnosis of cancer. This means expected to reach 765,000 by
that rehabilitation is playing an 2031.
increasingly important role. The statistics were released
Rehabilitation care pathways together in a ‘user friendly’ way will help to improve shortly after the government’s
have been developed for both and will be a useful resource for commissioning of cancer public spending watchdog, the
specific cancers and for occupational therapists.. rehabilitation services. National Audit Office, released
symptoms, and provide a useful The overall aims of the Information was also given on a critical review of the first
demonstration of how various National Cancer Action the development of a workforce year of England’s dementia
professionals, including Programme are to prevent model, which should help to strategy. Audits of how well
NEWS
occupational therapists, work cancer, to maximise the quality identify the additional the money allocated by central
together to provide high quality of life for those with a diagnosis workforce, which will be government to implement the
care. of cancer and to manage the needed to deliver the strategy has been spent will be
The pathways were long-term consequences of rehabilitation pathways. released this month. There
welcomed by participants at the cancer. The launch event The draft pathways are will be a full update of
event, since they make the roles therefore included presentations available at: www.cancer.nhs.uk/ progress on the dementia
of different allied health on other aspects of this work. rehabilitation/rehab_pathways. strategy in the next edition of
professionals clear, but also An update was provided on html. If you would like further OTnews.
reflect a certain amount of the evidence base for information on these subjects, The Scottish Government is
flexibility within those roles. rehabilitation, which is please contact: amy.edwards@ also due to reveal its dementia
The pathways have been put currently being developed. This cot.co.uk. strategy next month.
Autism services in Wales gets …while Scotland considers getting
£1.7 million… an autism strategy
The Welsh Assembly focus on designing appropriate A member’s bill has been intended to ensure national
Government will invest £1.7 housing will be key in enabling proposed in Scotland to create standards of service.
million in adult autism services independence and workable an autism strategy for the Liberal Democrat MSP Hugh
over the next three years. environments for people.’ nation. A consultation around O’Donnell, who proposed the
The plans will introduce a Gwenda Thomas, deputy the proposed bill is being held bill, told OTnews that it has so
diagnostic framework for minister for social services in to establish if there is a need far been well-received, and that
autism in the next two years; Wales, said: ‘This money will for a strategy, which is responses are coming in ‘fast
extend awareness campaigns at make a real and furious’ ahead of the 30
employers and in JobCentre difference to the lives March deadline.
Pluses; and fund building of all those affected Scotland is the only UK
design research for housing. by [Autistic nation with no autism plan, but
Ruth Crowder, COT policy Spectrum Disorder] O’Donnell says that while other
officer for Wales, said: ‘What is by improving nations’ experience can be
new and really excellent from diagnosis provision helpful, ‘just because something
©istockphoto.com/Kim Gunkel
an occupational therapy and employment may have worked elsewhere
perspective is the focus on opportunities, as well doesn’t mean that it is
employment, so occupational as widening the necessarily right for the Scottish
therapists attempting to get range of services system.’
people into work should find available consistently Submissions can be made at:
this support invaluable and the across Wales.’ bit.ly/61tcbc.
March 2010 11
News.indd 11 23/02/2010 10:50

12. NEWS
Informatics AHPF takes stock and outlines future plans
reference manual
©istockphoto.com
The Allied Health Professions
for OTs Federation (AHPF) represents
The final draft of the COT the 12 professional bodies for
Informatics Reference Manual AHPs, including COT, and
(COTIRM) was circulated ‘for director Paul Hitchcock talks to
comment’ as COTIM 100. OTnews about the federation’s
COTIM is the regular COT recent activity and future
newsletter covering all issues challenges, focusing on
relevant to occupational England.
therapy in the information age ‘Looking back over the last had been expected that this with delivering services for
(eHealth, eCare, information six months, the AHPF has been project would have been patients, clients, users and their
management involved in a number of sufficiently far advanced to carers, he believes.
©istockphoto.com/Tim Pohl
etc), focusing initiatives to ensure that AHPs enable data collection to ‘In the immediate short term,
on have a voice and are being become mandatory in April improving quality has to be the
developments heard,’ he says. ‘There has been 2010, but this will now be on a watchword,’ he says, ‘while at
that will an emphasis on engaging with voluntary basis until next year,’ the same time ensuring it is
impact on the health care agenda, [as] we he says. delivered at a price that ensures
occupational have had to prioritise where we ‘This data is important for the service is sustainable in the
therapy practice, management, can have maximum impact.’ AHPs as it enables effective overall context of care…
education, and research. The Transforming influencing of commissioners integration and working across
Members can subscribe to Community Services (TCS) and hence the commissioning of boundaries are part of the
receive COTIM by email by initiative will continue to have appropriate services. While the expertise and experience of
contacting: lesley.gleaves@cot. the potential for major impact AHPF continues to influence many AHPs and the AHPF will
co.uk Back issues are available upon the way that services are nationally on this agenda, your push to ensure that these
on the COT website. delivered, following the local influence to ensure the strengths are recognised as
COTIRM will be updated at publication of the NHS voluntary collection of this data employer organisations look to
least quarterly, based on the Operating Framework for the will be key to ensuring the enhance their service delivery.’
content of COTIM, which coming year, he says. ‘The future development of this In the longer term, as part of
provides more timely AHPF meets regularly with work.’ a three-year plan, the AHPF will
information. COTIRM is members of the TCS team and Through the professional be highlighting the role of AHPs
NEWS
designed as an electronic is part of the TCS expert bodies, the AHPF has in improving health and
resource and is not intended to advisory group.’ contributed examples of good prevention services.
be printed. Additional The federation has been part practice to inform the QIPP1 ‘Throughout 2010 and onwards
contributors would be very of the stakeholder panel for agenda and is involved in an the AHPF will continue to
welcome; and draft content reform of the care and support ongoing dialogue with Jim develop its role and profile as a
should be submitted to: chris. system and, led by Julia Scott, Easton and his team. ‘We will federation working alongside
austin@cot.co.uk. has produced a detailed be producing a “manifesto” to your professional body,’ he
There is some national response to Shaping the future of ensure that the importance of ends.
interest in publishing an care together, the green paper on AHPs and what they can add to ‘Its aim will continue to be to
equivalent resource for the care and support. the productivity agenda is engage with those issues and
allied health professions, or ‘We have been working with highlighted,’ he points out. opportunities that cross uni-
perhaps even for all health care the expert reference group on Looking forward, there are professional boundaries and
professions, so watch this data collection for referral to likely to be some significant most impact upon you and your
space. treatment times for AHPs. It challenges to everyone involved service.’
Treatment time data collection under way in pilot areas
Data collection on times from as part of the AHP Referral to how they are going to be She added that where IT
referral to treatment by AHPs Treatment Data Collection ready for this. Letters have systems may not be capable of
has begun in 11 Project. been going to chief executives generating the right data, paper
©istockphoto.com
pilot sites in Genevieve from [chief executive of the collection may be necessary in
England. Smyth, COT NHS in England] David some areas.
All AHPs in professional Nicholson so OTs need to get The initiative from the
England will affairs officer, in touch with them, push from Department of Health was
need to collect said: ‘People the bottom up and ask: how are outlined in 2008’s Framing the
the information need to think you going to work together to contribution of allied health
from April 2011 now about do this?’ professionals.
12 March 2010
News.indd 12 23/02/2010 10:50

13. policy ABOUT COT
Mental capital and wellbeing
©istockphoto.com
COT recently attended an event discover a physical activity you childhood maltreatment and
run by the Inclusion Institute enjoy and that suits your level supervision neglect increase
to discuss how to best use the of mobility and fitness. the risk of personality
results of the influential disorder.
Foresight report to provide Take notice: Be curious. Catch The rates of mental
social inclusion and meaningful sight of the beautiful. Remark on illness in the population are
occupation for the UK the unusual. Notice the changing generally stable, but there
population. The links between seasons. Savour the moment, will be increasing numbers
occupation and health are whether you are walking to of people with dementia
implicit within some of the work, eating lunch or talking to because of the ageing
report findings and articulated friends. Be aware of the world population. Risk factors that
as the need to promote around you and what you are reduce mental capital and
meaning and purpose for feeling. Reflecting on your wellbeing are summarised as
people through, for example, experiences will help you debt, unemployment, poor
employment, social appreciate what matters to you. housing, lone parenthood,
participation and networks. victimisation, and
The project defines mental Keep learning: Try something experiences of abuse.
capital as a person’s cognitive new. Rediscover an old interest. Moving from the evidence in ●● strengthen parenting capacity
and emotional resources – Sign up for that course. Take the Foresight report to practical and increase in peri-natal
almost a ‘bank account’ of the on a different responsibility at action will be vital as there are mental health services;
mind – while mental wellbeing work. Fix a bike. Learn to play significant social and economic ●● checking children, adults and
is a dynamic state in which an instrument or how to cook costs of ignoring mental older adults have a secure
ABOUT COT
people can achieve their your favourite food. Set a wellbeing. So can OTs use foundation through income
potential, fulfil their goals and challenge you enjoy achieving. these research findings for maximisation, housing,
have a sense of purpose. Learning new things will make everyday practice? literacy and numeracy skills;
Both concepts are you more confident as well as The report and the event ●● promote meaning and
interlinked and there is a need being fun. held by the Inclusion Institute purpose through
to nurture them both in the make several suggestions: employment, social
general population and in Give: Do something nice for a ●● be alert to the risk factors to participation, networks and
vulnerable groups. The report friend, or a stranger. Thank mental capital and wellbeing personal development;
particularly concentrates on someone. Smile. Volunteer with any group you work ●● using interventions that
childhood adolescence, mental your time. Join a community with; address both physical and
ill health, adult learning, adult group. Look out, as well as in. ●● early intervention with mental health needs together;
working life and older adults Seeing yourself, and your children is vital to establish ●● preventing and addressing
and makes key happiness as linked to the resilience including violence and abuse; and
recommendations about how to wider community can be treatments for emotional, ●● tackling all forms of stigma
achieve our ‘five a day’ – most incredibly rewarding and physical or sexual abuse; and discrimination.
of which will be achieved by creates connections with the ●● flexible working patterns for The Inclusion Institute is
activity and occupational people around you. adults can promote work/life currently writing a guide for
engagement. balance and prevent commissioners of health and
The report sets out these The report also states that: absenteeism or presenteeism; social care services to help
five ways to mental wellbeing 10 per cent (all figures are as ●● protect the mental capital of them develop the mental
as: per 100,000 of population) of older adults through exercise capital and wellbeing of local
Connect: With family, friends, children in the UK have and learning from middle populations. With our inherent
colleagues and neighbours, at dyslexia and/or dyscalculia; 10 age; understanding of the inter-
home, work, and school or in per cent of children have a ●● use social prescribing to relationship between how we
your local community. Think mental illness, and additional facilitate activity and social spend our time and our health
of these as the cornerstones of factors will contribute to a connection, eg time banks, and wellbeing, occupational
your life and invest time in cycle of disadvantage, exercise, green activity, arts; therapists can be key to deliver
developing them. Building including living in a single ●● carry out lifestyle the results of the Foresight
these connections will support parent family, low income, and interventions to target Report.
and enrich you every day. maternal depression; 45 per alcohol use and hazardous
cent of looked after children drinking; ●● Genevieve Smyth, COT
Be active: Go for a walk or run. have a mental illness, and a ●● early intervention with adults professional affairs officer for
Step outside. Cycle. Play a third of prisoners are looked to decrease the risk of job mental health and learning
game. Garden. Dance. after children; and 4 per cent of loss and unemployment disabilities. For more information
Exercising makes you feel the population have a particularly between primary please contact: genevieve.smyth@
good. Most importantly, personality disorder and care and the employer; cot.co.uk
March 2010 13
About COT.indd 13 23/02/2010 10:47

14. ABOUT COT council
Future proofing headquarters
£2 million has been allocated mechanism reaching the end of building’s value. These essential
by Council to conduct major their working life. maintenance works also give
building work on COT’s Plans for the reconstruction the organisation the
headquarters in London. of the ground floor – which are opportunity to undertake a
£1.5 million is needed for being improved to become more space planning exercise to help
essential building work, DDA (Disability Discrimination with future proofing and
including replacing all heating, Act) compliant – will include improving the College’s
lighting, and air conditioning new AV technology in the three professional image.
systems, as well as ageing meeting rooms, to allow While the work is being
windows, and lift and front members to access events online done, COT’s headquarters will
doors. An extra £500,000 was without visiting the building. be temporarily relocating to
authorised by Council to The funding for the project 160-166 Borough High Street, a
reconstruct the ground floor to comes from existing reserves few doors down from its main
offer better facilities, build a built up over a number of years premises. However, all
roof terrace to provide an extra from surpluses created by telephone and email addresses
venue for use, and improve the advertising revenue. The will remain the same and post
façade. funding has been capped at £2 to the normal address will be while the work is being carried
The building is the largest million to prevent overspends, redirected, although members out and no meeting rooms are
tangible asset that the with the essential building are asked to be patient during available, meetings can be
organisation owns, and COT works taking priority. the move in case of any organised elsewhere around the
has a long-term obligation to The ground floor unexpected problems. country.
maintain and improve it. Over reconstruction, roof terrace and Members will not be able to The move is currently
the last few years, the building improved façade were approved visit the temporary scheduled for the middle of
has steadily deteriorated, with to stop any further deterioration headquarters other than the April, and the return to the
the original heating and in the infrastructure of the library, which will operate at a revamped building is scheduled
ventilation systems and lift door building, and to add to the reduced size. It is hoped that for autumn.
ABOUT COT
COT fellowship awards 2010
COT is delighted to announce The involvement of people who internationally as a leader in OT nationally and internationally.
the award of three fellowships, use mental health services is education and for her significant In addition, he is an innovator,
to Dr Sarah Cook, Paraig paramount in her research and contributions to the profession an advocate for continuing
O’Brien and Professor Gaynor her work. and its members. She has led the education and research and
Sadlo, and two honorary Paraig O’Brien currently way in the implementation of development and an active
fellowships to James Leckey and works as the housing problem-based learning in the supporter of charitable
Dr Frances Reynolds, in adaptations liaison manager, UK and has contributed to the organisations.
recognition of the outstanding DHSSPS/NIHE in Northern development of the European Dr Frances Reynolds is a
contribution they have all made Ireland. He is held in high Master of Science in senior lecturer in health
to the profession during their esteem by colleagues and Occupational Therapy. She is an psychology at Brunel University.
career. service users whom he puts at experienced researcher whose She has provided a major
These awards are the highest the heart of his work. His findings have been published, contribution to the education of
honours that COT can bestow professional leadership and disseminated and implemented OTs and OT students through
on one of its professional collaborative approach to and an inspiration for others to her teaching and authorship.
members and on non-OTs. partnership working with undertake research. She has generated solid
Dr Cook is senior lecturer at colleagues in health, social care James Leckey, founder and evidence for practice and an
the Centre for Health and Social and housing is highly valued. CEO of James Leckey Design important resource and support
Care Research, Sheffield Hallam His research and his work Ltd, is the first industrialist to for the profession through her
University. She is committed to on policy have had a be nominated for an honorary extensive research, most
the development of OT practice, tremendous impact nationally fellowship. He was honoured notably in creativity, occupation
particularly in the field of mental in many areas, but more for his work in designing and chronic ill health.
health, and she is a wonderful specifically in housing. In equipment for children with The awards will be formally
ambassador for COT and the addition, his contribution to disabilities, which is used on a presented to the new fellows at
profession. Her leadership as the work of the COT Specialist worldwide basis, and for the COT’s annual conference in
educator, researcher and author is Section – Housing has been enhancing the working Brighton in June 2010, and a
widely acknowledged by her peers valued for many years. practices and education of full write-up on the awardees
and she gives her time generously Professor Gaynor Sadlo is OTs. He is a committed will appear after the
in supporting colleagues’ research. renowned nationally and ambassador for the profession presentation in BJOT.
14 March 2010
About COT.indd 14 23/02/2010 10:47

15. council ABOUT COT
©istockphoto.com/Alex Slobodkin
Great news about funding
The United Kingdom the commissioning of external sponsorship
Occupational Therapy Research occupational therapy services. from the Institute of
Foundation (UKOTRF) is Look out for information about Social Psychiatry and
delighted to announce that the 2011 funding round that Pressalit Care Ltd.
council, at its October 2009 will be accessible on the website COT hopes that
meeting, agreed further funding from July. more members will
for the UKOTRF to support the The UKOTRF would like to support the valuable
OT research agenda and to take this opportunity to thank work of the UKOTRF
build research capacity within all those who supported its during the
the profession. range of activities during the forthcoming year. Two
The new support will double last year by: applying for the events that are already
the funds that have been available funding grants and planned include
available from COT, and will supporting applicants; ‘Outcome measures
offer up to £200,000 a year for supervising UKOTRF grant- and effective practice’,
five years commencing in 2011. winning PhD students; advisory a one-day workshop
This excellent news represents a group members; attending or being held at COT on 11 sponsored research projects,
real investment in the future of speaking at our the UKOTRF March. Contact Caroline.grant@ will be the speaker at the
the profession, funding much- events; attending the fund- cot.co.uk for further UKOTRF lunch at conference
needed research to develop the raising lunch at COT’s annual information. Dr Diane Playford, this year on 24 June in
evidence-base that underpins conference; donating speaker COT honorary fellow and PhD Brighton. For more information
both professional practice and fees; individual donations; and supervisor for two of the contact: cot@happen.co.uk.
ABOUT COT
Chairman’s view From vice-chairman Sara Blackbourn
Merit awards 2010 agreed by council
I am delighted to inform you Applications are they have overcome and the you who know the building you
that a good number of independently scored and then partnerships that have been will appreciate that this is a long
applications were received for discussed by the awards panel, formed; demonstrate a political overdue piece of work.
consideration for this year’s members of which are all awareness of their contribution Early proposals include
merit awards. This is only the members of council. This in the wider world of healthcare; reconfiguring the downstairs
third year these awards have year’s applications ranged from and make sure that the verifier accommodation to enhance
been given so they are still a therapists who are designing flow and space utilisation,
relatively new initiative. and undertaking new and significant improvement to the
The merit awards are open to innovative ways of working, to ‘The merit awards pavement level façade to
all members of BAOT with a therapists who are teaching are open to all improve the image and market
minimum of two full consecutive and supporting students in the the profession more explicitly,
members of BAOT
years of membership. This UK and overseas. The utilising the roof space over the
includes student and associate successful nominees will
with a minimum existing ground floor extension,
members as well as practitioners, receive their award at this of two full and finally, if there is any
researchers, managers and year’s annual COT conference consecutive years of money left, then to ‘tidy up’ the
educators. The only criterion for in Brighton. membership.’ front of the building above
the award is that nominees are If you are thinking of street level (see page 14).
recognised by their peers in the nominating someone for a merit This is an exciting project
occupational therapy community award then I would recommend knows what is on the and while council is mindful of
for excellence in their sphere of that you: provide actual application form, as they may be the expenditure in the present
work. examples of their contribution contacted to confirm their financial climate it was agreed
So if you know someone who to occupational therapy, do not support of the application or to that the benefits of this work
meets this criterion all you have just state that they do; use the give further information. outweigh the risks and will
to do is nominate him or her on full word count allowed within On a different note, I am very undoubtedly benefit the
an application form, which you each of the five sections and for pleased to inform you that profession, the members and the
get from COT. Remember, this the supporting statement; use a council has approved some staff who work at headquarters.
award is open to all members of variety of evidence in each additional spending to enhance We will keep you posted on
BAOT. section; illustrate the challenges COT headquarters. For those of progress.
Sara Blackbourn, COT vice-chairman, can be contacted by email at: sara.blackbourn@ulh.nhs.uk
March 2010 15
About COT.indd 15 23/02/2010 10:47