In the early 1990s a group of OTs working within the Oxford and Gloucestershire region met to discuss issues with the new emerging caseload of patients with cancer. Their motivation and interest with this patient group led them to seek a wider network throughout the country, as the contribution of OT to this patient group was embryonic.

The OTs formulated themselves into an informal committee and the 'Special Interest Group in Oncology and Palliative Care' was formed. Ad hoc Study days were facilitated by the committee.

In 1987, palliative care was first recognised as a medical specialty within the UK. The impact of this was tremendous within Hospice and Specialist palliative care Units. The emphasis of the care rapidly changed to be provided by a multi-professional team. HOPC has worked extremely hard to promote the role of the OT within these teams. However not all of the 240 Specialist Units have an OT.

In 1992 the original committee resigned, feeling that new members were needed to move the group on. A more formal structure was implemented and links were established with the College of Occupational Therapist. Recognition of the OT profession within palliative care came with a seat on the Professional Committee (now Clinical Issues Committee) of The National Council for Hospice and Specialist palliative care Services (NCHSPCS) and within Help the Hospices, with a seat on their education board. These are still held today and both organisations are very supportive of the role and contribution of OT and of HOPC as an organisation.

Around the same time, talks took place with the HIV & AIDS group of OTs who were formally meeting bi-monthly in London. With the rapid growth of this client group and dedicated government monies, many OTs were employed in inner cities to work solely with this client group. However, outside inner cities this client group received care through hospice and palliative care Units.

The SIG in Oncology and palliative care had a formalised regional structure which they felt they could work with the HIV & AIDS group on many common issues and similarities within the three specialties. These talks took place for a number of years, during which time 'ring fenced monies' for the specific HIV & AIDS client group dried up. Hence this patient group were to be seen within palliative care services. However, with the advances in medication the disease trajectory of this group has changed considerably and due to this many are now seen in specialised rehab units.

In 1995 the partnership and umbrella organisation HOPC was formed, the H standing for HIV & Aids, the O for Oncology, the P for palliative care, and the E for Education.

The Special Interest Group status from COT emerged to the Specialist Section status, with basic professional requirements for how the group should function. HOPC prides itself on the promotion of OT within the specialties it represents. In achieving this HOPC aims to support its members with up to date information, a networking structure for peer and professional support, and most importantly sound education initiatives to maximise continued professional development.

Three study days are held annually throughout the UK. As membership is nationwide, the majority work in isolation and feedback the benefit of networking at such days. HOPC's first two-day national conference was held in York in 2001. This was a tremendous success and gave the members more opportunity to share and discuss practice-related issues.

HOPC has produced documents such as Guidelines for Clinical Practice (1997) and Guidelines for Measuring Occupational Therapy Outcomes in HIV AIDS, Oncology and palliative care (2000). A newsletter is produced three times a year which always includes a report on the last study day.

HOPC has worked closely with NCHSPS in the production of all their publications to ensure they have a multi-professional reflection, and played a key role with the production of the document Rehabilitation - Fulfilling Lives.

One Committee member has produced the only book so far on OT in Oncology and palliative care, which has recently been updated, other members contributions include a chapters within Palliative Day Care and, the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine, in addition to various journal articles.

HOPC's aim is to meet its membership's needs and reflect their high level of work and dedication to the profession.