To ask the Minister of Health to detail the work being undertaken to increase the provision of, and early access to, occupational therapy within the health and social care system.

The Public Health Agency has and continues to work closely with the Health and Social Care Board, the Department and the HSC Trusts reviewing AHP support and interventions delivered across the HSC system, including Occupational Therapy.

To increase provision of access to Occupational Therapy services Health and Social Care Trusts are undertaking a range of measures including elective waiting list initiatives to increase the provision of additional Occupational Therapy clinics.

Additional Occupational Therapy staff have been employed through the Health and Social Care Workforce Appeal whilst utilising Bank and agency staff. This is being complemented with authorisation of the additional clinics and overtime for existing Occupational Therapy staff.

During COVID-19 surges the HSC Trusts have also enhanced Occupational Therapy staffing in acute and some community settings through redeployment of staff providing 7 day cover to help ease patient flow.

Occupational Therapy services continue to prioritise patients in line with regionally agreed criteria and the Departmental Elective Care Access Protocols. Services are provide through a choice of face to face, virtual or telephone appointments as appropriate subject to availability.