Allied Healthcare Professions Day celebrated across healthcare system

AHPs are the third largest workforce in the NHS covering 14 different professions, 11 of which are represented by The Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust (SaTH), Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (SCHT), Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT). AHPs, which make a huge different to individual patient care and the health of the nation, include:

Art Therapists

Orthoptists

Drama therapists

Osteopaths

Music therapists

Paramedics

Chiropodists/podiatrists

Physiotherapists

Dietitians

Prosthetists and Orthotists

Occupational therapists

Radiographers

Operating Department Practitioners

Speech and language therapists

Local AHPs have come together this year to record a series of short videos explaining who they are, where they work, what they do and what they would say to anyone considering entering their profession. It is hoped this collaboration will inspire the next generation and encourage young people to consider AHPs a career. To view the videos, click here

Claire Horsfield, Deputy Director of AHPs at SCHT, said: “AHP Day was created as an opportunity for Allied Health Professionals to celebrate, appreciate, inspire and connect. This year local AHPs have done just that showcasing the fantastic services they offer to patient care on a daily basis.

“It’s been a really tough year for everyone, which is why it’s so impressive that AHPs stepped up further during COVID-19 to work with other healthcare professions in new, transformative, collaborative and innovative ways. Thank you all, and have a great AHP Day 2020!”

Hayley Flavell, Director of Nursing at SaTH, said: “Most of us will have seen an AHP at least once in our lives, so AHP Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the invaluable contribution these professions make to our health and wellbeing. The importance of these roles has been particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic where the teamwork and adaptability of our colleagues have shone through. Thank you for all that you do.”

Rachel McKeown, Director of Allied Health Professionals MPFT, said: “Our AHPs have been magnificent during the pandemic, stepping up to support each other and deliver care in new and innovative ways. Many were redeployed into other teams and services and have built new and enduring relationships with colleagues which will be important as we develop new expertise in supporting the recovery journeys of COVID-19 survivors. Thank you everyone, and Happy AHPs Day”.

Stacey Keegan, Chief Nurse at RJAH, said: “The contribution of AHPs to our NHS cannot be over-emphasised. There is a huge variety of roles that comes under the umbrella of the Allied Health Professional title, and I think all of us will have received care from an AHP at one point or another.

“They play a pivotal role in the patient journey at RJAH and I am delighted that we are able to celebrate their importance on AHP Day.”