Leading occupational therapy provider, The OT Practice, released a unique in-depth analysis and insight into the state of the occupational therapy (OT) waiting lists across the UK. The white paper titled Ending Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists: 2nd Edition highlights a 139% increase in waiting lists for OT services across the UK since 2019, underscoring a growing crisis in social care service delivery and its economic toll with repercussions of delayed OT care. The white paper scrutinises the impact of collaboration between the public and independent sectors, analysing what we can learn from the approach organisations have taken to managing their waiting lists, whether it is using in-house teams, Section 75 NHS outsourcing or independent providers. Presenting an urgent call to reduce the financial strain of delayed care.
Authored by OT experts Dr. Jo Watson and Michael Guthrie, the report is following an extensive Freedom of Information (FOI) requests with responses from over 90% of the Councils responsible for Adult and Children Social Care. The Paper combines the data from the FOI requests with case studies, detailing not only the human and financial impact of long waiting lists on individuals but also exacerbating the physical and mental impact on the workforce. Findings reveal that these delays lead to increased hospital admissions, compromised independence, and greater reliance on long-term care services—consequences that significantly heighten care costs.
Key insights from the white paper include:
- Significant Increase in OT Demand: Waiting lists have more than doubled since 2019, with current waiting times for adults averaging 4.6 months, placing considerable strain on social care resources.
- Untapped Potential in Existing Budgets: The report highlights that reallocating funds from vacant OT positions could clear England’s OT waiting list backlog, offering a strategic opportunity to maximise local budgets.
- Human and Financial Costs of Delayed OT Services: Long waiting times for OT services increase hospital admissions, decrease individual independence, and impact employment and caregiving arrangements, compounding pressure on the health and social care systems.
- Collaborative Models for Improved Outcomes: Case studies illustrate how Councils that partnered with independent providers reduced waiting list numbers and waiting times, addressing demand pressures while optimising in-house resources.
The paper considers the options available to Councils and presents the question on what the best model is to meet their needs in the short and long term, taking into consideration how councils can reduce backlogs efficiently, improving timely access to OT services while
conserving resources.
“As demand for OT services continues to outstrip available resources, health and social care leaders must take a proactive, collaborative approach to service delivery,” said Nikki Thompson, Executive Director at The OT Practice. “Our report provides the data and models to demonstrate how strategic partnerships with independent providers can lead to transformative outcomes for both patients and budgets.”
For more information and a copy of the full report, please email nikki@theotpractice.co.uk or call 0330 024 9910.
For more details, visit www.theotpractice.co.uk