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Occupational Therapy: Surrey

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 1 June 2026UIN 1777

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the use of occupational therapists on hospital admission rates in Surrey.

Answered by Karin Smyth

In Surrey and across the country, occupational therapists play a key role in reducing hospital admissions and supporting timely discharge by assessing the physical, cognitive and social factors that influence a person’s ability to remain safe and independent at home. They work across settings including emergency departments, urgent community response services, reablement and rehabilitation and discharge planning. Through functional assessment, risk identification, and the provision of equipment or adaptations, they support individuals to regain or maintain essential daily living skills. These interventions help reduce emergency attendances, hospital admissions and readmissions, as well as prevent avoidable escalation in care needs.

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