Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) was delighted to welcome Gary Waltham, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), on Monday 20 July for a visit highlighting the vital contribution occupational therapists (OTs) make across our services.

Led by Emma Nicklin, Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals and Trust Head of Profession for Occupational Therapy, the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the variety of occupational therapy across CNWL, one of the UK's largest employers of occupational therapists, with almost 400 registered OTs and support staff working across more than 150 teams.

Throughout the day, Gary met occupational therapists, multidisciplinary colleagues, patients and senior leaders to gain a greater understanding of the innovative work taking place across community physical health, mental health and rehabilitation services.

Seeing occupational therapy in action

The visit began at St Pancras Hospital, where Gary met teams from Rapid Access Services, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, Carelink and rehabilitation services. Discussions focused on how occupational therapists are helping people remain independent, reducing hospital admissions and supporting timely discharge through community-based care.

The visit highlighted the increasingly diverse and advanced roles occupational therapists play, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved in delivering high-quality community services amid rising demand.

Bringing leaders together

At CNWL's Trust Headquarters, Gary joined an informal lunch with occupational therapists from across the Trust alongside members of the executive team, including Chief Executive Claire Murdoch and Chief Nurse Amanda Pithouse.

The session gave colleagues the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss professional development and reflect on the impact occupational therapy has across mental health, learning disabilities and community physical health services.

Showcasing innovation in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

The afternoon focused on services in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster, where Gary met occupational therapists working across community mental health hubs and community physical health services.

Colleagues shared examples of innovative practice, collaborative working and the increasing complexity of supporting people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs in inner London communities.

The visit concluded at one of CNWL's community allotments, where occupational therapists demonstrated how nature-based interventions and sensory-informed practice are supporting people's recovery, wellbeing and social connection through therapeutic gardening activities.

Celebrating the impact of occupational therapy

CNWL provides integrated mental health, learning disability and community physical health services across London, Milton Keynes and Surrey. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping people of all ages live as independently as possible, supporting recovery, rehabilitation and wellbeing in a wide variety of settings.

The visit was a valuable opportunity to celebrate the profession, showcase the expertise of CNWL's occupational therapy workforce and strengthen links with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists as the profession continues to evolve.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise the visit and to the teams who shared their work, innovation and passion for occupational therapy throughout the day.