§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated percentage difference between the number of occupational therapists available and the number required to meet the demands of care in the community.
§ Mr. YeoIt is acknowledged that the national demand for occupational therapists for all purposes exceeds supply. However, this is being addressed in a number of ways.
The number of occupational therapists employed in the national health service in England has increased considerably from 3,183 in 1982 to 5,609 in 1991—an increase of 76 per cent. This is planned to increase further to around 7,000 by 1995. The number employed by local authorities in England has also grown substantially from 697 in 1982 to 1,717 in 1991—an increase of 146 per cent.
There has also been a decline in vacancy rates in the national health service and local authorities. It is anticipated that this decline will continue so that by 1995 the supply and demand for occupational therapists should be approximately in balance.