THE WELSH NHS continues to face unprecedented pressure with nearly 7,000 people waiting two years for treatment. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is warning that, without urgent action, pressure on services will continue to grow. Ahead of May’s Senedd election, RCOT is calling on the next Welsh Government to put prevention and early intervention first, backing the profession that helps people stay well, avoid crisis and reduce demand on overstretched services.
On Monday (March 2), the professional body launched Wales 2026: Five steps to a healthier nation, a new manifesto setting out practical, achievable actions to shift Wales towards community care, reduced hospital admissions and improved outcomes for people across the country.
With nearly 50% of people in Wales living with at least one chronic condition and health boards under pressure from waiting lists and budgetary concerns, Wales cannot afford to overlook the vital role of occupational therapists. More than 2,000 practitioners already work across communities, primary care, hospitals, schools and social care, delivering support that keeps people well for longer and prevents avoidable admissions.
RCOT sets out five urgent steps the next Welsh Government must take:
- Strengthen community-based and primary care services by embedding occupational therapists in every cluster.
- Build a complete and accurate picture of the occupational therapy workforce to transform workforce planning.
- Put prevention and early intervention at the heart of health and care.
- End inconsistencies in provision through long-term innovation and improvement funding.
- Open leadership pathways and remove barriers that exclude occupational therapists from senior roles.
Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at RCOT, said: “The solutions already exist, we just need government to act. Wales’ system is under immense strain, but occupational therapists are already delivering the solutions: rehabilitation, early intervention and practical support that keeps people out of hospital and doing what they want and need to do. Our manifesto shows exactly how the next Welsh Government can harness this expertise to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable Wales.“
Paul Smith, RCOT Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales, added: “The impact of occupational therapy extends far beyond the individual. Supporting older people to remain at home reduces pressure and cost across the Welsh NHS and social care. Early support for children who have experienced trauma improves outcomes in the classroom, enabling teachers to teach and students to thrive. By taking a holistic view of people’s health, work and environments, occupational therapy supports people to return to employment, strengthening the wider Welsh economy.“
Where occupational therapists are empowered to lead, the benefits are clear:
- Bringing care closer to care homes in North East Wales, saved the health board £115,000 over a six-month period from reduced hospital admissions and transfers.
- By investing in falls prevention and rehabilitation, the Welsh NHS can see a return of investment of £34 for every £1 invested.
These examples show what’s possible when prevention is prioritised and what Wales stands to gain by scaling evidence-based models nationwide.
RCOT is urging policymakers, local authorities, health boards and sector leaders to work with the profession to deliver these changes and ensure people across Wales receive the right support at the right time.
The full manifesto is available to read by clicking here.
