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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland

@rcotpolicyni.bsky.social
56 followers 20 following 37 posts

Policy and public affairs updates from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in Northern Ireland. Account run by Cliona McSherry, RCOT Northern Ireland Policy and Public Affairs Lead.

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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A pleasure to be on the Magee campus yesterday celebrating 50 years of occupational therapy at Ulster University It was a privilege to join staff, students, alumni and partners in marking this significant milestone yesterday. Here's to the next 50!
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
AHPs are ready and willing to play our part in delivering the transformation we need in Northern Ireland. Look forward to working with new Minister for Health, Robbie Butler MLA
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
🚨 RCOT Member Reminder Join Aisling Durkin, RCOT Council Representative for Northern Ireland, and me tomorrow at 1pm on MS Teams to discuss all things elections and manifesto. Bring your questions, ideas, and insights. 📩 DM for the link.
Information for manifesto drop in session tomorrow at 1pm
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Great to have such a strong occupational therapy contingent at the Chief AHP Officer collaboration day today! 💚 #TeamOT
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Great to be here at the Alliance Party conference this morning in Belfast with AHP colleagues. Helpful conversation with Health Spokesperson @dannydonnelly1.bsky.social
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Great to see occupational therapy students making a real impact at St Colm’s High School and supporting pupils’ confidence, wellbeing and daily participation. A brilliant example of the power and value of OT in education settings! @ulsteruni.bsky.social #TeamOT www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Draperstown: Occupational therapists making a difference in school
A school in Draperstown is part of a groundbreaking project working with occupational therapists.
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Welcome NI Assembly debate today on a 24/7 thrombectomy service and strong recognition from speakers of the vital role rehabilitation plays in stroke recovery. OT teams are central to this by providing the support that helps people regain independence after life‑changing events #TeamOT 💚
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Concerning to hear of the SEN “cliff‑edge” in Northern Ireland, where support drops off completely once young people leave school. Occupational therapy has a vital role in smoother, supported transitions, but system reform is urgently needed @sallypayneot.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
SEN parents 'devastated' as time runs out for school leavers' law
A young person's statement of special educational needs ends with school and campaigners had been hoping that would change.
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Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
OT is complex, simplifying it is our strength 💚 In the RCOT Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2026, Sue Parkinson will explore how OTs break down tasks, routines and activities to help manage complexity and sustain what matters. Anyone with an interest in OT can save a spot bit.ly/49Yr1OC
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Great to mark #StrokePreventionDay at the All Party Group on Stroke at Stormont with two of our amazing stroke occupational therapists, Caroline and Emma ⭐️🤩
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
A really productive Community Rehabilitation Alliance meeting this morning, hosted by Versus Arthritis. Big plans for the year ahead (including party conferences!) and continuing to advocate for a Rehabilitation Framework and Lead for Northern Ireland
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Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Our November policy work included launching our Right Support, Right Time campaign, meeting policymakers across the UK to share OT insight and much more. Learn more 👉 bit.ly/48sQFug
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Health & social care in Northern Ireland are at a tipping point. Yesterday’s NICON briefing on the budget was stark, it's clear that urgent action is needed. Occupational therapists are key to keeping people well in their communities. Our Workforce Strategy shows how 👉 www.rcot.co.uk/support-the-...
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
It was great to have Professor Michelle Tennyson, Chief AHP Officer and Dr Gill Ward, Head of Research and Innovation at @thercot.bsky.social in Belfast recently for OT Week celebrations. Pictured here with Maria Hilditch, Head of Service at Belfast Trust #TeamOT #RightTimeOT
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Fantastic couple of days celebrating #OTWeek with members in Belfast and South Eastern Trusts. Inspiring showcase of the life changing power of occupational therapy #RightTimeOT #OTWeek25 💚
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Grateful to Linda Dillon MLA, member of the Health Committee, for her powerful statement at Stormont today marking #OTWeek 💚 Occupational therapists drive recovery, independence & system change. Let’s invest in the future of health & social care #RightTimeOT @thercot.bsky.social
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
#RightTimeOT NI's Reset Plan aims to bring care closer to home. OTs are already doing it, supporting people to live well, avoid hospital and recover safely at home. To build a prevention-first system that meets real needs, occupational therapy must be central to future planning. #OTweek25
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Thank you to our Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA for this fantastic video in support of #OTWeek #RightTimeOT @thercot.bsky.social
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Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
What if we stopped waiting for crisis? 💭 OT at the right time helps people stay well for longer, preventing problems before they escalate. Right Support, Right Time: Unlocking the Power of OT shows why OT support at the right time changes everything:https://loom.ly/993ED8g #OTWeek25 #RightTimeOT
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Happy OT Week to all of my amazing colleagues in Northern Ireland. Today, we launched our new annual campaign Right Support, Right Time: Unlocking the Power of OT 💚
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Great to spend yesterday at Ulster University in Magee with Dolores, one of the amazing lecturers and 50 fantastic future occupational therapists. Too busy chatting to get many pics but amazing conversations about the future of the profession 💚 lots of excitement ahead of OT Week on Monday!
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
What a fabulous, uplifting night at the AHP Awards- celebrating our amazing occupational therapists and all the AHP community
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
What a fabulous, uplifting night at the AHP Awards- celebrating our amazing occupational therapists and all the AHP community
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Our indefatigable Chief AHP Officer Prof Michelle Tennyson talking about the many ways that allied health professionals can support people to attain or stay in employment. Great shout out for the fantastic Condition Management Programme
Panel discussion
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Great panel today at #NICON25 with the Chief AHP Officer Michelle Tennyson and senior civil servants Mike Farrar and Paddy Rooney, discussing economic inactivity and how health professionals can better help people back to work. Occupational therapists well positioned to support
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Fantastic to hear Prof Sir Michael Marmot this morning at #nicon2025
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Minister for Health making clear that budget position of a 600million deficit is not sustainable and stating he has asked the Northern Ireland Executive for additional funding
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Minister for Health taking the stage at #nicon2025
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Great to be at #nicon2025 and looking forward to speaking to many of the 600 delegates about the life-changing power of occupational therapy 💚
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Happy #AHPsDay2025 to all Allied Health Professionals across Northern Ireland! Alongside fellow professional bodies and trade union partners, we're calling for continued investment, recognition and development of AHP support workers — a vital part of our workforce: loom.ly/ikuHCWI
loom.ly
Optimising the contribution of the Allied Health Professions support workforce 2025
A joint statement from several professional bodies and trade union partners, including RCOT, to strengthen, value and develop the allied health professions support workforce across the UK.
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Great to spend this morning at the @duponline.bsky.social conference. Good engagement with Party Leader Gavin Robinson, Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen and Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds about the life-changing impact of occupational therapy 💚 #teamOT
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
What a fantastic venue for the Western Trust OT conference today - Glenpark Estate in Omagh.
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Happy #RehabAwarenessWeek Rehab empowers people to live well at home & in the community. OT-led reablement builds independence & reduces reliance on care. Through our Workforce Strategy, we’re championing a workforce focused on prevention and early intervention. Read more: tinyurl.com/544cmbpf
tinyurl.com
Download and accessible versions- workforce strategy
Choose the version of the strategy that works best for you. If you need a different accessible version please let us know.
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Distressed by reports of racist abuse toward colleagues in the Western Trust. RCOT stands firmly against racism in all its forms. To those affected: you are seen, valued, and supported. Please report incidents to police and your employer where appropriate.
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Who would you love to hear inspire us for the Elizabeth Casson lecture? Have a think and nominate here 👇💚
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Yesterday I joined AHP Federation colleagues for a productive meeting with Permanent Secretary @healthdpt.bsky.social and CAHPO discussing the many AHP solutions to our health and social care challenges. Looking forward to regular engagement to improve outcomes for all in NI
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
So proud of our amazing member Emma, who delivered an excellent lecture as part of the Feile festival last week.
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Niamh Keaveny @niamhkeav.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Really enjoyed the Stroke to Strength lecture at Féile! @emmadunn1.bsky.social delivered a brilliant talk about stroke recovery and rehab and Will McClean’s told his powerful and personal stroke survivor story! #Féile2025 #OccupationalTherapy @carolinewilson2.bsky.social @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social
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emmadunn1.bsky.social @emmadunn1.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
It was a privilege to speak at the Féile Health Lecture on stroke prevention, recovery and rehab. Techs role in OT rehab was explored alongside Will McLeans story and musical performance. @niamhkeav.bsky.social @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social @belfasttrust.bsky.social @carolinewilson2.bsky.social
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Great to join @niconfederation.bsky.social event this afternoon, hearing from @health-ni.gov.uk Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar about the newly published Reset Plan. As the system considers how we can keep people well for longer, occupational therapy must be a key part of this journey #TeamOT
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RCOT Policy Northern Ireland @rcotpolicyni.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Looking forward to working with our amazing members in Northern Ireland to celebrate #OTWeek2025 and launch our annual campaign 💚
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