Retention of DLA Mobility Component in Residential Care
The Government are today announcing that the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance will not be removed from people living in residential care homes and that the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment, which will replace Disability Living Allowance, will also be payable at both the standard or enhanced rate to people in residential care homes provided they satisfy the entitlement conditions.
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Edwin Poots calls for contributions to health and social care services review
A health and social care review is underway in Northern Ireland, led by a Review Team of five external advisers. The team, led by John Compton, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board, has been asked to report its findings to the Minister by 30 November. They will be undertaking appropriate consultation and engagement with key stakeholders in the coming weeks. This will include workshops, meetings and an online survey. The review team comprises:
Your views sought on the Research Excellence Framework
The Research Excellence Framework is a measure of research excellence in universities, undertaken by a process of peer-review. COT intends making a submission in respect of the Research Excellence Framework Consultation on draft panel criteria and working methods. We would welcome further contributions from members in order to provide a robust professional response.
The consultation is available at http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/pubs/2011/03_11.
Please send any further contributions to Elizabeth.White@cot.co.uk by 3 October 2011.
COT signs letters to The Times as Health and Social Care Bill debated before Parliament
The College of Occupational Therapists has come together with other Royal Colleges and health organisations in a letter to The Times on the revised Health and Social Care Bill. The letter has been published today, Tuesday 6 September on page 24.
The letter says that the Bill could still potentially destablise the NHS despite some positive amendments already made to the legislation. The Bill will be debated in Parliament today and tomorrow during its third reading before moving to the House of Lords.
Blue Badge Assessments in Northern Ireland
In England, Blue Badge assessments will move from GPs to ‘independent mobility assessors’ following government reforms of the Blue Badge scheme. The change represents an ideal opportunity for OTs to take on additional responsibility particularly those working in local authorities as budgets begin to transfer from the NHS to social care.
Open consultations are an ideal opportunity for members to contribute to the College’s work at a strategic level
Involvement in consultations enables you to share your professional expertise and knowledge and continue your professional development. Closed consultations provide the College’s response which can be used as guidance and information.
