HL Deb 10 June 1985 vol 464 cc995-6

2.44 p.m.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent established posts for occupational therapists have not been filled, and what action is being taken to increase the number of occupational therapists in the National Health Service.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)

My Lords, results of a sample survey by health authorities last year suggest that nationally about 15 per cent. of funded posts for occupational therapists were unfilled after three months. Our officials have had discussions with representatives of the College of Occupational Therapists and we are now considering the possibility of increasing the number of bursaries for occupational therapy students in 1986–87. We hope also to be able to provide capital sums to enable some schools to expand the number of training places available.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that I much welcome the latter part of her Answer? Is the noble Baroness also aware that, according to the survey carried out by the College of Occupational Therapists itself, the unfilled vacancies stand at 22 per cent.? Is the noble Baroness further aware that short-staffed occupational therapy departments have to turn away patients who are in great need of occupational therapy, especially amputees, elderly people, stroke victims and victims of long-term disabilities, like multiple sclerosis, arthritis and Parkinson's disease? She recognises this, I hope, as a very important problem.

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, in answer to the first part of the noble Lord's supplementary question, the survey carried out by the College of Occupational Therapists of the number of vacant posts health authorities were prepared to fund indicated the shortfall of 22 per cent. However, officials have experienced difficulties in validating these data. Results of the sample survey carried out by the NHS suggested the 15 per cent. figure which I have already given. Her Majesty's Government recognise the key role that occupational therapists play, and will increasingly play in the future, particularly in furthering policies for the treatment and care of the mentally ill and other handicapped people.

Baroness Seear

My Lords, am I right in thinking that trainees for occupational therapy cannot obtain mandatory grants but only discretionary awards? If this is correct, in view of the shortage is it not time that they were included among those who receive mandatory grants?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, there are 11 occupational therapy schools and some 650 places. Some 580 bursaries are provided, and some students receive sponsorship from health authorities or local authorities. The remainder are self-financing. I hope that answers the noble Baroness's point.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether there is any difference in the percentages of those occupational therapists employed directly by establishments which come under the social services and those which are direct health service establishments?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, would the noble Baroness please repeat the question?

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether there is any difference in the percentages of 'vacant posts in hospitals, health authority departments or establishments, and those which exist among those employed by local authorities directly to local authority posts?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness very much. I do not have the answer to that. I shall have to write to the noble Baroness.