Motion 43
Enhancing Allied Health Professional Services in the NHS
“That this Congress notes that Allied Health Professionals are vital to the effective functioning of the NHS, providing essential services across a range of disciplines including Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics, and more. AHPs contribute significantly to patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, AHP services face several challenges and addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining and improving the quality of care provided by AHPs.
“Congress asks the STUC to work with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to:
- increase funding for AHP services: allocate targeted funding to enhance AHP services, ensuring sufficient resources for staffing, equipment, and facilities to meet patient demand;
- address workforce shortages: develop and implement comprehensive strategies to recruit and retain AHPs, including competitive salaries, attractive benefits, and clear career progression pathways;
- support mental health and well-being: provide robust mental health and well-being support for AHPs and measures to reduce workplace-related stress and burnout;
- enhance professional development: invest in continuous professional development opportunities for AHPs, ensuring they have access to the latest training, research, and advancements in their respective fields;
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration: encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between AHPs and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and integrated patient care;
- public awareness campaign: launch a public awareness campaign to highlight the role and importance of AHPs in the healthcare system; and
- research and innovation: increase funding for research within AHP disciplines to foster innovation and improve clinical outcomes.
“Congress calls on the General Council to advocate for significant improvements in the working conditions and support for AHPs within the NHS. These measures are essential to ensure that AHPs can continue to provide preventative high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, reduce inpatient admissions and contribute to a sustainable and effective healthcare system in Scotland.”
Mover: Royal College of Podiatry
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