(L-R) RCOT NI Region Chair, Vonnie McWilliams, Journalist Amanda Ferguson, Health Committee Chair, Colm Gildernew MLA, Professor Deirdre Heenan, interim CAHPO Suzanne Martin, and Belfast HSCT Occupational Therapist Manager Catherine Podris.
As part of its #OTsForEquity campaign, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has launched its ‘Roots of Recovery’ Report in Northern Ireland, pinpointing key contributors to health inequalities, and providing effective solutions.
The Report was officially launched today (Wednesday) with a virtual panel discussion on the role of occupational therapy in addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland.
The expert panel consisted of Health Committee Chair Colm Gildernew MLA, interim Chief Allied Health Professional Officer Professor Suzanne Martin, RCOT’s Regional Chair for Northern Ireland Vonnie McWilliams, Assistant Occupational Therapy Service Manager for Learning Disability Services Catherine Podris, and Professor Deirdre Heenan. The panel discussed areas that require major reform and offered practical and dynamic solutions that could improve the lives of those living in extreme deprivation under the expertise of an occupational therapist.
The panel covered issues such as mental health, education, the criminal justice system, primary care, rehabilitation, and housing.
Speaking following the event, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Region Chair for Northern Ireland, Vonnie McWilliams said:
“The Roots of Recovery Report provides a stark reminder of how prevalent health inequalities are in our society. However, it also provides practical and pragmatic solutions that can be used to address existing inequalities, with the expertise of occupational therapists.”
“Occupational therapists have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help tackle these problems, but we must have a seat at the table to do so. We must be involved at the earliest possible stage to ensure the support and services provided will be beneficial to those in need. We must have the resources to allow our workforce to maximise its capacity.”
“The upcoming Assembly Election will give us the opportunity to really look at these problems and transform our health service from the ground up but occupational therapists must be at the heart of this given our expertise across sectors, including education, justice and communities.”
“The Royal College of Occupational Therapists is committed to tackling these deep-rooted inequalities. Northern Ireland needs a health care system that provides health parity for all, whether that be in education, housing, or the criminal justice system. This is an issue that will require a cross-departmental approach, but it is essential that the work starts now to tackle health inequalities and transform our health service.”