The Gibraltar Health Authority is observing Occupational Therapy Week this week, highlighting the important role occupational therapists play in supporting patients to regain and maintain their independence, improve their quality of life and achieve greater wellbeing. The theme this year being 'Participation is Everything'.

Running until 6 November, Occupational Therapy Week is a global initiative led by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in the UK, and is also observed by the GHA. The week provides an opportunity to raise awareness in Gibraltar of the wide range of services offered by the department and the positive impact occupational therapy has on people's everyday lives.

Occupational Therapists form part of the Allied Health Professions and provide personalised care and rehabilitation across four key areas: Mental Health, Community Occupational Therapy, Inpatient services at St Bernard's Hospital and Paediatrics.

Led by Head of Department Kate Langton, the GHA's Occupational Therapy Department comprises a dedicated team of 16 occupational therapists and technicians who work closely with other clinical teams, charities and official agencies.

Occupational therapy is centred on helping people participate in the everyday activities that give meaning, purpose and independence to their lives. Whether supporting someone to manage daily tasks at home, improve their ability to safely carry out getting up from their chair or bed, assess for appropriate & supportive seating, overcome cognitive or perceptual challenges, or return to activities that are important to them, occupational therapists take a personalised approach to understanding what matters most to each individual. Through tailored assessments, practical interventions and collaborative goal-setting, they empower patients to overcome barriers, maximise their abilities and engage as fully as possible in everyday life. Because participation is everything.

Over the past year, the Paediatric Occupational Therapy service has also undergone a redesign, with the aim of delivering more effective and family-centred care.

GHA Director Dr Paul Bosio said: “Occupational Therapy is a very important part of the healthcare and wellbeing treatments we provide to convalescing individuals and other categories of patients, with the aim of assisting in their recovery so they can return to their normal lives. Our teams work closely with both the Care Agency and other community services on a multi-agency basis. Occupational Therapy Week is a great opportunity for the GHA to promote and put the spotlight on the excellent work done by our committed professionals in this field.”

Minister for Health, the Hon Gemma Arias Vasquez MP, said: “During this week we celebrate the life-changing power of occupational therapy. The OT Department helps people in their homes and across the community to overcome barriers, providing them with the skills to accomplish achievable goals and regain their independence by developing practical and holistic solutions. Occupational Therapy Week draws attention to their great work and reinforces the GHA's central aim, which is to always strive to improve the quality of life of all our patients.”

The GHA is proud to recognise and celebrate the dedication and contribution of its Occupational Therapy team and encourages the community to learn more about the valuable services they provide.