Royal Recognition for Case Management
The OT Practice, established in 2010, is a leading provider of occupational therapy services with a long-standing history of successfully serving clients from across the case management sector. Their nationwide network of over 250 independent occupational therapists makes them the largest in the UK.
Occupational therapy has proudly enjoyed a long history of Royal support, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal having been Patron of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists for over 30 years. Most recently, however, The OT Practice has experienced a first-in-its-kind for this healthcare arena... a visit from Her Royal Highness, who has never previously attended an independent occupational therapy practice.
“All at The OT Practice are delighted and honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our new Head Office and share with her examples of our work and partnerships, as well as our vision for the future of occupational therapy,” said Nikki Thompson, Founder and Executive Director of The OT Practice. “We wished to showcase to Her Royal Highness the entrepreneurial spirit, passion and integrity that is so prevalent throughout our work – including, in particular, the diversity of the services we offer to and alongside our partners in case management.”
Among other guests and dignitaries, The OT Practice was privileged to welcome to their event Chris Bartlett, Head of Technical Development for Overland Health and Communications Director at CMSUK, Ben Dawson, Rehabilitation Solutions Commercial Director at HCML, Ian Waters, Director of PI Rehabilitation and Case Management, also at HCML, and Yvonne Spijkerman, Founder, Clinical Director and Expert Witness at Circle Case Management. Each of them were introduced to Her Royal Highness and enjoyed the opportunity to share their organisations’ services, the ever-changing landscape of the sector, and the positive impact that working in partnership with The OT Practice has made to the lives of their clients.
“The exposure that Her Royal Highness’ Patronage of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists brings, as well as her visit today, is very positive,” commented Chris Bartlett. “A big challenge for us at CMSUK is raising the profile of what case managers do and the distinct benefits they offer. The OT Practice has supported CMSUK for over eight years now and their support of case management is of great importance – this occasion certainly boosts this further.”
Though case management has been practiced in the UK since the early 20th century, it wasn’t until 2001 that a formal committee was established to set agreed standards and raise the profile of case management. As a corporate member of CMSUK for the last eight years, The OT Practice has both contributed to the ongoing development of the profession and brought to this ever-changing sector a wealth of knowledge, experience and specialist skills. Working collaboratively with statutory occupational therapy services and case management partners, it’s clear that great strides have been made in improving rehabilitation, quality of life and – importantly – independence for clients, widening the choice of support available and markedly improving the timescales in which they receive it.
Chris Bartlett supported such growing collaboration: “The future lies in both statutory services and independent Occupational Therapists working together. As our industry changes, along with the needs of our clients, both sectors have differing and important roles to play. Think of it like an orchestra, with statutory and private occupational therapy representing different instruments. The case managers – as conductors – bring in the right specialisms at the right time to ensure an optimised outcome.”
Through working with case managers for many years, The OT Practice has gained a thorough knowledge of their specific needs, tailoring their services to provide expert Occupational Therapists covering all clinical specialisms and deliver prompt, reliable and high quality care for clients. Backed by a fully supportive infrastructure, The OT Practice empower their nationwide network of specialist therapists to continue approaching every case proactively and innovatively, enhancing rehabilitation potential and upholding the unparalleled standards of clinical and client care for which this organisation has become so renowned.
“The OT Practice team are consummate professionals and great communicators,” commented Ben Dawson, Rehabilitation Solutions Commercial Director at HCML. “They run a very tight ship in terms of processes and operations, and we especially value the breadth of their specialisms in hand therapy, housing, neuro, rehab and paediatrics. Because of this, they are a solid partner for HCML and have been for over three years.”
Yvonne Spijkerman, Founder, Clinical Director and Expert Witness at Circle Case Management echoed Ben’s comments: “Many of my clients have suffered serious traumatic brain injuries and therefore have a high level of need from the outset. My team and I review this requirement and determine what can be fulfilled by statutory services. For the remainder, we use The OT Practice. The process is very complementary – The OT Practice aren’t here to replace statutory services… instead, they have the very specialist expertise we require with a nationwide coverage we find invaluable. That’s why we have worked with them now for over six years.”
Before unveiling an official plaque to commemorate her visit, HRH The Princess Royal addressed Nikki and all The OT Practice staff and guests. Her speech praised the progress made by the practice, how the competence and quality of their work is evidential in the levels of independence their clients achieve.
Dr Patricia McClure, Chair of Council for The Royal College of Occupational Therapists also spoke, mirroring HRH The Princess Royal’s comments and thanking The OT Practice for their invaluable work, personalised levels of care and unique contribution to the profession.
It goes without saying that The OT Practice and all their guests thoroughly enjoyed this event. Giles Thompson, Managing Director said: “Today has been a great occasion. I’m particularly proud that the therapists, our office based teams and our partners can come together to share in Her Royal Highness’ and The Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ recognition of the difference their collective hard work has made – and continues to make – to the lives of so many people.”
Click here to view photos from the royal visit
