JustOT, Occupational Therapy Jobs

Focus on community care 'could create more OT jobs'

Wednesday 4th August 2010

Proposals to change the way healthcare is delivered in Wales, could result in an increase in the number of occupational therapist (OT) jobs.

A leaked report from the Hywel Dda Health Board stated that two hospitals - Withybush in Haverford West and Bronglais in Aberystwyth - could be downgraded to Rural General Hospitals.

It is alleged that the proposals are similar to changes suggested four years ago, which were met with "fierce opposition" from members of the local community.

However, officials have refuted this, claiming the document obtained by the media was "out of date", stating that planning is still in "the early stages".

One healthcare official stressed that providing care in the community would be a focus of the service in the Hywel Dda area of Wales.

Trevor Purt, chief executive of the Hywel Dda Health Board, told the BBC that one of the aims of the proposals would be "providing more care in the community, within people's own homes and with a greater focus on the management of long-term conditions".

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Western Telegraph, Mr Purt pointed out that the region is struggling to fill health vacancies, with agency and locum staff currently working in medical jobs in the area.

Written by Megan Smith