A step in the right direction: British Columbia government is launching a new, four-part surgical strategy aimed at reducing wait times for the health care British Columbians need.

However, BC’s Occupational Therapists say more training is needed to meet demand.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists- BC Chapter (CAOT-BC) supports Premier John Horgan’s announcement to launch a surgical strategy that will reduce wait times for British Columbians.

“We are especially pleased to see that the government recognizes the vital role occupational therapists (OTs) play in supporting this surgical strategy” said Giovanna Boniface, National Director of Professional Affairs of CAOT. Occupational therapy enables people to engage in necessary daily activities (also known as occupations) so they can get back to living their lives following injury, illness, disability or other barriers. These occupations include all the activities that a person needs and wants to do in their day; for example, self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing and toileting, home-making, community access, leisure activities, driving and paid or unpaid employment.

CAOT-BC has long been calling for a strengthening of BC occupational therapy workforce. “Currently there are just 48 occupational therapists graduating from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program every year,” added Boniface. “That is simply not enough to support government’s surgical strategy. We are forced to recruit from other provinces or even other countries. What is needed is an immediate increase in funding to train OTs right here at home. Training more occupational therapists in British Columbia will assist in making the surgical strategy a success.”

About Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession whose role is to enable people to engage in necessary daily activities (also known as occupations) following injury, illness, disability or other barriers. OTs improve the health and well-being of Canadians by creating client-centred solutions that help them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives.

 

For media requests, please contact:

Giovanna Boniface, Reg. OT (BC)

National Director of Professional Affairs

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

613-523-2268 or 800-434-2268 ext. 265  Fax: 613-523-2552

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