§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary or State for Social Services if he will take steps to increase the number of occupational therapists who also possess technical skill, in view of the work which they perform in advising patients in modifying their homes, adjusting their working conditions and assisting rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephI share the hon. Member's concern for the need to secure continuity in the provision of rehabilitation; but I am not satisfied that the acquisition of technical skills on the part of occupational therapists will give the answer to such problems as exist. This essentially requires a multi-disciplinary approach which the reorganisation of the National Health Service and the local authority social service structure is designed to encourage.