Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCLindsay Skipper @lindsayskipper.bsky.social · 22/09/2026For those too unwell to read the full paper or thread, here is short animation to show what happened in the ERASE-LC trial which tested the drug Remdesivir with people who have long Covid bsky.app/profile/prof... 1108
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 13/08/2026Concerning new figures expose how few coroners ask DWP to provide evidence to inquests #BenefitDeaths #DWP www.disabilitynewsservice.com/concerning-n...disabilitynewsservice.comConcerning new figures expose how few coroners ask DWP to provide evidence to inquestsNew figures have sparked “serious concern” about the failure of coroners across England and Wales to seek evidence from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following deaths of benefit claima… 0127
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 13/08/2026How to fight back against rising tide of hostile media coverage targeting disabled people www.disabilitynewsservice.com/how-to-fight...disabilitynewsservice.comHow to fight back against rising tide of hostile media coverage targeting disabled peopleDisabled people’s organisations across the UK have suggested a range of ways in which they and their allies could fight back against the “deeply concerning” rise in hostile media coverage that is t… 01617
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 09/07/20263/4 So what happened at June AGM? Summary on website. * voted for 4% fee increase * elected to Council Rosie Hughes, Research and Development Dawn Ward, Industrial Relations Robert Workman, Wales Congratulations. Success in your role as custodians on behalf of 36,000 members! 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 09/07/20261/4 Many apologies for a misleading countdown to @thercot.bsky.social AGM 2026 Why? Didn’t spot the new process and deadline: to submit questions a week in advance of the AGM. It was hidden in plain sight in the small print. 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCSupporting Healthcare Heroes UK (SHH-UK) @shh-uk.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Looking to make a difference? We’re recruiting Trustees to help support healthcare workers affected by Long Covid. 🕒 1–3 hrs/week (remote) ❤️ No prior trustee experience needed 👉 reachvolunteering.or... #Trustee #Volunteering #LongCovidreachvolunteering.org.ukTrustee | Reach Volunteering 175
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCThe Canary @thecanaryuk.bsky.social · 02/07/2026In the aftermath of Lloyds debanking the Canary, people from all over the political spectrum have spoken out By @willem-moore.bsky.socialthecanary.coRight-wingers attack Lloyds over Canary debanking scandalIn the aftermath of Lloyds debanking the Canary, people from all over the political spectrum have spoken out 13624
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Many thanks to @jceoltasmith.bsky.social @OT_Skiff for helping to frame question for @thercot.bsky.social AGM today about Covid-19 and Long Covid. The trauma, the losses and achievements are too important to be forgotten. Too many lessons to learn. Too many sacrifices to honour. 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 20/06/20264/4 Found stunning examples of OT personnel: Mental health volunteer trainer NHS Nightingale Hospital journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... Lobbying: @jceoltasmith.bsky.social et al oral evidence Work & Pensions Committee, Plan for Jobs & Employment Support committees.parliament.uk/oralevidence...journals.sagepub.comResponding to the call of the NHS Nightingale, but at what cost? An auto-ethnography of a volunteer frontline mental health trainer’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic - Chloe Kitto, Danielle L...Healthcare workers, globally, volunteered time and skills to the COVID-19 pandemic frontline response. In March 2020, the predicted high demand for extra critic... 011
Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLC @jceoltasmith.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Huge thanks to @ireneukfcot.bsky.social for being a great ally and working on and sending in question for RCOT on #Covid19 #LongCovid to AGM 👇 no. 1 @supportinghh.bsky.social @longcovidphysio.bsky.social 300
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 22/06/20262/3 Please * vote * register to attend online AGM * read information at rcot.co.uk/members-only * submit questions Shared some of mine: financial management 5th year spent more than income; silent exit - decline in professional members from 73% to 65% @The_HCPC registrants; 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 21/06/20264/4 Ending by reiterating significance of Covid-19 and Long Covid for #OccupationalTherapy Yet where’s the learning, achievements, commemorations, archive or ? Mostly invisible! Need rigorous, independent review @theRCOT to reverse this, for centenary and the next crisis x.com/UKFCOT/statu...x.comIrene (@UKFCOT) on XHas @theRCOT asked themselves this question - were members let down - and critically reflected on their performance? If not yet, vital do so, to commission an independent review, to capture the lear... 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 21/06/20263/4 Memorials & workplace safety British Medical Association’s memorial www.bmj.com/covid-memorial ‘devastating toll on doctors from a Black and Minority Ethnic background' Covid-19: occupational disease, lobbying Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, safe working unison.org.uk/node/41286bmj.comRemembering the UK doctors who have died of covid-19Healthcare workers are on the frontline of efforts to treat patients during this covid-19 pandemic. Sadly many healthcare workers across the world lost their lives to covid-19 while in the line of dut... 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 21/06/20261/4 Countdown RCOT 2026 AGM Thursday at 12.30 Commemorating Covid-19/Long Covid Why @theRCOT didn’t mark UK Covid-19 day of reflection on 9.3.25? Last time did was 2021. Public recognition of scale of sacrifice in lives lost, suffering, continuing aftermath. www.gov.uk/government/p...gov.ukThe UK Commission on Covid Commemoration's Final ReportThe UK Commission on Covid Commemoration's final report was published on 18 September 2023 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 22/06/20263/3 little investment/activity re. core business of science and R&D; concerns about medicalisation of OT (ACPs & prescribing); lack of learning from, or commemorating losses due to Covid-19/Long Covid service. Look forward to seeing your questions too. Your vote and voice matters very much. 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 24/06/20263/3 Final 2 questions for AGM are about membership matters: governance and the digital transformation. Sorry, no more updates till get the AGM minutes. Sent apologies for AGM. Remember to share your questions and any comments. Your voice matters! 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 24/06/20262/3 Sent 4 questions about financial management, income and expenditure, and reporting in BAOT/RCOT minutes, or not, in comparison with other professional bodies. 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 24/06/20261/3 Last countdown to RCOT AGM 12.30 tomorrow Sent 9 questions, to be answered then or afterwards, and recorded in the AGM minutes. 3 about professional matters: * Covid / Long Covid with @JCeoltaSmith * Advanced Practice * Research and science of #OccupationalTherapy 121
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 20/06/20262/4 Few select examples as a starting point. Please add more! Organisational learning: excellent @ParamedicsUK Tracy Nicholls's evidence to Module 3 Covid Inquiry covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/in...covid19.public-inquiry.ukINQ000281189 - Witness Statement provided by Tracy Nicholls OBE on behalf of The College of Paramedics, dated 19/09/2023. UK Covid-19 Inquiry ArchivesWitness Statement provided by Tracy Nicholls OBE on behalf of The College of Paramedics, dated 19/09/2023. 121
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 20/06/20261/4 Countdown to the RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June AGM questions about Covid-19 and Long Covid Where’s the evidence of @thercot.bsky.social organisational learning and archive of contribution of profession and service of practitioners? Both vital of future planning and centenary in 2032. 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 19/06/20263/3 Recommended reading: editorial by @JuliaScott01 CEO in British Journal Oct 2020. doi.org/10.1177/0308... Rare acknowledgement of the devastation. Prescient about the future. AGM questions: What’s happened since? What’s the learning, changes made and in progress? Where’s the commemorations?doi.orgSage Journals: Discover world-class researchSubscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher. 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 19/06/20262/3 Remember March-April 2020? @theRCOT acted swiftly, offering support, building resources, lobbying and collaborating with other professional bodies, facilitating peer advocacy networks, such as @LongCovidOT @LC_Physio @WorkingWithLC linktr.ee/longcovidsup... linktr.ee/LongCovidKidslinktr.eeLong Covid Support Official: Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads | LinktreeUK Charity • Peer Support • Advocacy • Research Involvement • Education 101
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June. Big shout out to all practice educators for delivering around 1,000 hours for each student. AGM question: why not give a formal vote of thanks and a gift for practice educators for their crucial contribution to the future? x.com/UKFCOT/statu...x.comIrene (@UKFCOT) on XCountdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June. Big shout out to all practice educators for delivering around 1,000 hours for each student. AGM question: why not give a formal vote of thanks and a... 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 13/06/20262/2 Big chunk of BAOT income - £1.93 million in 2024-2025 - goes to UNISON. AGM question: what's the breakdown of UNISON services and activities involving members in 2024-2025? Do you get value for money? Specially members who don’t work in NHS? Similar Q&A from 2025 AGM 001
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 13/06/20261/2 Countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June Did you realise that 25% (£74) of professional member fee (£297.19) pays for trade union services? Partnership agreement with UNISON since 1993. £1.5+ million has been paid p.a. for trade union services for the last 5 years. 101
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 14/06/20262/2 Interested in spend / activities on 2 purposes of RCOT: science of occupational therapy and promoting research. Launch of latest Research & Innovation Strategy (2025, 2019, 2001/2007, 1997); small sums disbursed from Research Foundation fund grants & Restricted Funds. Where's the rest? 101
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 14/06/20261/2 Countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June Bit surprised that spending decreased for charitable activities, yet increased for trade union activities in 2024-2025. Anyone going to ask why at the AGM? 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 15/06/20261/2 Countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June Moving from expenditure to what services members’ use, summarised in infographics. What numbers stand out for you? It was RCOT Communities: *launched May 2025 *spent £900,000 *recruited 4,050 (11% of 36,801 members) 101
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 17/06/20262/2 Is an hoc group with fear of missing out & 'ambition' deciding policy for whole profession? www.rcot.co.uk/explore-reso... What are the implications for professional identity & specialisms from a generic, dependent, high risk task? See 2026 CQC report www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-5... 001
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 17/06/20261/ Countdown RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June AGM questions re. medicalisation of #OccupationalTherapy Why is @theRCOT campaigning for independent prescribing rights? No evidence of demand, safety, effectiveness No mandate from elected members No member consultation 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Kemi Badenoch and her Conservative party are being investigated by the statistics watchdog for repeatedly making misleading statements about social security spending, while they are also facing a possible examination into a second set of false claims. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/uk-stats-reg...disabilitynewsservice.comUK stats regulator investigates Badenoch and her party over misleading statements on social security spendingKemi Badenoch and her Conservative party are being investigated by the statistics watchdog for repeatedly making misleading statements about social security spending, while they are also facing a p… 0147
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 13/06/2026Disabled people are being hurt, harmed and killed by the Department for Work and Pensions at a scale that overshadows every other scandal in British society in recent decades, MPs have been told. #DWP #DWPdeaths www.disabilitynewsservice.com/dwp-deaths-o...disabilitynewsservice.comDWP deaths overshadow every other British scandal for decades, MPs are toldDisabled people are being hurt, harmed and killed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at a scale that overshadows every other scandal in British society in recent decades, MPs have been t… 25138
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 11/06/20262/2 RCOT 2026 AGM - vote for 2 members to serve as Trustees/Directors for Industrial Relations & Research and Development - register and read lots of information at www.rcot.co.uk/agm2026 - will be posting countdown and questions here and on Twitter - Hope others will do toorcot.co.ukYou are attempting to view members-only content | The Royal College of Occupational Therapists 011
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 11/06/20261/2 Starting countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM online - 2 weeks today on Thursday 25 June, starting at 12.30 - vital 40 members attend so AGM is quorate - vote, vote, vote!! it's your only opportunity - vote for or against proposed 4% increase in fees - ask lots of questions 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCIrene @ireneukfcot.bsky.social · 12/06/20261/3 Countdown to RCOT 2026 AGM at 12.30 on 25 June Let’s start with the misery of spending more than you earn (adapted from David Copperfield by Dickens). Ballpark figures - millions £s deficit – for the last 5 years. Why? Is this worst record in the history of BAOT/RCOT? 111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Government faces legal action after claimant is refused entry to #PIP tribunal because of his assistance dog www.disabilitynewsservice.com/government-f...disabilitynewsservice.comGovernment faces legal action after claimant is refused entry to PIP tribunal because of his assistance dogA disabled man plans to take legal action against the Ministry of Justice after his benefit tribunal hearing had to be postponed when a judge banned him from bringing in his assistance dog. Thomas … 01715
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 30/05/2026The government is facing serious questions over the success of a key employment support scheme, after its own research showed the NHS organisations running its pilot projects fell far short of their targets for recruiting disabled people. #DWP #WorkWell www.disabilitynewsservice.com/serious-ques...disabilitynewsservice.comSerious questions over DWP pilot scheme at heart of ministers’ jobs strategyThe government is facing serious questions over the success of a key employment support scheme, after its own research showed the NHS organisations running its pilot projects fell far short of thei… 153
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 30/05/2026A groundbreaking book that uncovers the hidden histories of disabled people who fought against injustice shows disabled people are still “locked in bureaucratic battles” for support, just as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries. #DisabilityHistory www.disabilitynewsservice.com/secret-histo...disabilitynewsservice.comSecret histories unearthed by author show how disabled people fought injustice through the centuriesA groundbreaking book that uncovers the hidden histories of disabled people who fought against injustice shows disabled people are still “locked in bureaucratic battles” for support, just as they w… 12111
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 30/04/2026Key cost-saving change on PIP re-assessments, as DWP offers new ways to engage with Timms Review #PIP #TimmsReview #DWP www.disabilitynewsservice.com/key-cost-sav...disabilitynewsservice.comKey cost-saving change on PIP re-assessments, as DWP offers new ways to engage with Timms ReviewThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has increased the number of disabled claimants who will face fewer reviews of their eligibility for personal independence payment (PIP). The measures it i… 013
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 30/04/2026Government rejects new law that would force it to set up fund to support disabled politicians @zoefranklinld.bsky.social @inclusionlondon.bsky.social @surreycoalition.bsky.social www.disabilitynewsservice.com/government-r...disabilitynewsservice.comGovernment rejects new law that would force it to set up fund to support disabled politiciansThe government has rejected a proposed new law that would have forced it to fund some of the disability-related costs faced by disabled people who want to stand for elected office. Ministers contin… 056
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 16/04/2026DWP refuses to release #PIP assessment audit that followed death or serious harm of ‘Customer 23’ #DWP #DeathsByWelfare www.disabilitynewsservice.com/dwp-refuses-...disabilitynewsservice.comDWP refuses to release PIP assessment audit that followed death or serious harm of ‘Customer 23’The government is facing accusations of a cover-up after refusing to release a report that examined the quality of personal independence payment (PIP) assessments, following a sub-standard test lin… 01110
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 18/04/2026Coroners across England and Wales have been asked to do more to question the role of the Department for Work and Pensions in the deaths of benefit claimants before they carry out inquests. #DWP #Inquests www.disabilitynewsservice.com/coroners-are...disabilitynewsservice.comCoroners are asked to do more to question role of DWP in deaths, as they receive crowdfunded bookCoroners across England and Wales have been asked to do more to question the role of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the deaths of benefit claimants before they carry out inquests. Th… 03426
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCPhil Free @philfree.bsky.social · 18/04/2026DWP refuses to release PIP assessment audit that followed death or serious harm of ‘Customer 23’ - @johnpring.bsky.social www.disabilitynewsservice.com/dwp-refuses-...disabilitynewsservice.comDWP refuses to release PIP assessment audit that followed death or serious harm of ‘Customer 23’The government is facing accusations of a cover-up after refusing to release a report that examined the quality of personal independence payment (PIP) assessments, following a sub-standard test lin… 079
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 23/04/2026Disabled MPs, staff and visitors to Commons face career blockages, out-of-date facilities and access barriers www.disabilitynewsservice.com/disabled-mps...disabilitynewsservice.comDisabled MPs, staff and visitors to Commons face career blockages, out-of-date facilities and access barriersMPs have spoken out about the shortage of accessible meeting rooms in Westminster, as well as outdated toilet facilities for wheelchair-users, and large parts of the parliamentary estate that canno… 0116
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 25/04/2026Hundreds of disabled people have expressed anger and alarm over multiple aspects of the “punitive, discriminatory” changes that are being introduced to the #Motability scheme. #DriveSmart www.disabilitynewsservice.com/waves-of-ang...disabilitynewsservice.comWaves of anger and alarm over ‘punitive’ and ‘discriminatory’ Motability changesHundreds of disabled people have expressed anger and alarm over multiple aspects of the “punitive, discriminatory” changes that are being introduced to the Motability scheme. They responded on soci… 01713
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCWinslow Santé Publique @winslowsp.bsky.social · 23/04/2026La psychologisation des #CovidLong, ça suffit. Action non-violente de patient·es CL de Winslow et @actioncovidlong.bsky.social lors d’une conférence européenne sur le COVID long organisée par les Pr Lemogne/ Ranque, de l'unité Casper 👇 15259112
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 28/03/2026The government is to push ahead with its delayed plans to force large employers to report on the size of their disability pay gap. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/ministers-to...disabilitynewsservice.comMinisters to push ahead on disability pay gap reporting, while Tories describe plans as ‘grievance-mongering’The government is to push ahead with its delayed plans to force large employers to report on the size of their disability pay gap. The plans were first announced in the king’s speech in July 2024, … 168
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Disabled campaigners are hoping to take legal action over government cuts to the Access to Work scheme, a campaign event has heard. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/government-c...disabilitynewsservice.comGovernment could face legal action over cuts to ‘neglected’ Access to WorkDisabled campaigners are hoping to take legal action over government cuts to the Access to Work scheme, a campaign event has heard. The A Thousand Cuts event, organised by disabled-led arts company… 096
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Disabled activists have explained why they needed their voices to be heard in Saturday’s historic mass march against the far-right through the streets of central London. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/disabled-peo...disabilitynewsservice.comDisabled people ensure their voices are heard in historic march against the far-rightDisabled activists have explained why they needed their voices to be heard in Saturday’s historic mass march against the far-right through the streets of central London. The event, organised by the… 0147
Reposted by Jenny Ceolta-Smith #FBLCDisability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 02/04/2026A third of terminally ill people living in the most deprived parts of England and Wales are not claiming benefits they’re entitled to in the final 12 months of life. www.disabilitynewsservice.com/one-in-three...disabilitynewsservice.comOne in three terminally ill people in deprived areas aren’t claiming DWP benefits they’re entitled to at the end of lifeA third of terminally ill people living in the most deprived parts of England and Wales are not claiming benefits they’re entitled to in the final 12 months of life. Contrary to successive governme… 01111