AHPs account for many diverse and key roles within both trusts, ranging from Speech and Language Therapists and Dietitians, to Art Therapists and Radiographers, as well as Physiotherapists.
This diverse range of health professionals make up emergency response teams, provide rehabilitation and diagnosis for both mental and physical conditions and work to ensure patients achieve a high quality of life, following hospital care and treatment.
AHPs are the third largest healthcare workforce, and today (14 October) is an annual opportunity for colleagues to come together and celebrate being part of the AHP family, providing an opportunity to showcase to others the impact they make to the delivery of high-quality patient care, each and every day.
To recognise the key role of these colleagues, several hundred thank-you cards were delivered to AHPs across both trusts. This came alongside events throughout the day and videos of appreciation, showing AHP professional leads and colleagues thanking their community and reflecting on their teamwork over the past 18 months. Films from each respective organisation can be viewed here: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/news/celebrating-allied-health-professionals/
Jodie Roberts, Director of AHPs at both DBTH and RDaSH, said: “It is incredibly important, now more than ever, to recognise and celebrate the vital role of each and every colleague in our trust. Allied Health Professionals perform key services which are integral to excellent patient care and to the overall running of our hospitals. I am incredibly proud of all their hard work despite the challenges faced over the pandemic. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our colleagues for their continued dedication and exceptional services at both of our trusts.”
There are a total of 14 allied health professions in the NHS. AHPs are rarely limited to their own specialities and regularly extend their services and expertise across other departments, liaising with clinicians and providing specialist advice.
Speaking about the day, Tracey Wrench, Director of Nursing and AHPs, at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On world AHP day I just wanted to show my appreciation to the diverse AHP workforce and all they do to contribute to good patient experiences and care delivery outcomes for our patients and their carers. Thank you very much.”
Through adopting a holistic approach to healthcare, AHPs help manage patients’ care throughout the life course from birth to palliative care. Their focus is on prevention and improvement of health and wellbeing to maximise the potential for individuals to live full and active lives within their family circles, social networks, education/training and the workplace.