We are listening to Children, Young People and their families

Christine,

Ready to Act - A transformational plan for Children and young people, their parents, carers and families who require support from allied health professionals (AHPs) was published by the Scottish Government in 2016. It states:

“AHPs need to adopt an enabling approach that promotes self-resilience and allows children and young people, their parents, carers and families to feel confident and competent in self management, seeking further assistance from AHPs as needed” 

We have listened to the young people and families accessing our services, considered the things they said they would like to achieve and what they think would make their lives better. They identified the first point in their child’s journey with occupational therapy was the place to focus to achieve these outcomes.

You told us you wanted:

• faster access to support and advice
• fewer attendances at health premises

We recognised the need to move away from the traditional model of access and therapy provision to achieve this, so in August 2016 we introduced a system whereby the occupational therapy service contacts the family by phone for an initial conversation.

This tiered approach:

• Enables us to contact families at a much earlier stage
• Is an opportunity to provide initial advice and support which in some cases prevents unnecessary appointments
• Identify areas of priority for the child and the family with everyday living
• Enables staff to have a clear picture of the child and their family circumstances to start early planning

Molly’s story:

Molly Kelly from NHS Lanarkshire on Vimeo.

Some children don’t need to progress to full formal assessment following this early intervention. Quite often the advice and support provided reassures and enables families to recognise their own abilities and how they are able to support their child.

We recognise that we are in the early stages of our transformational journey. We thank all those who have helped us this far.   We will continue to seek the views of children & families as to the best way that we can support them to enhance their health and wellbeing by participation in everyday living.

Occupational therapy as defined by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy: “enables people to participate in daily life to improve their health & wellbeing. Daily life is made up of many activities (or occupations). Occupations for children include self care, getting ready to go out, eating a meal, using the toilet, being productive (participating in school or nursery and leisure) - playing with friends or doing hobbies.”    

If you think your child or family needs occupational therapy support you can contact the Children & Young People Occupational Therapy team at;

Hamilton        -           Douglas Street Community Health Clinic Tel No:01698 368714

Airdrie            -           Airdrie health Centre Tel No: 01236 772262

If you have an experience of the Occupational Therapy Service you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Care Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk

If you’d like more information on “Ready to Act” please visit the Scottish Government website www.gov.scot