MONMOUTHSHIRE’S occupational therapists have demonstrated their valuable contribution to reducing the time patients spend in hospital, minimising admissions and helping to place them on the road to swift recovery.

Occupational therapists Sarah Vaughan and Kirsty Smillie from Abergavenny’s Mardy Park Resource Centre attended the launch last week of a report by the College of Occupational Therapists: Reducing the Pressures on Hospitals - The Value of Occupational Therapy.

Held at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, the event promoted the need for occupational therapists on the frontline to ease pressures on the country’s hospitals.

Vaughan Gething, cabinet secretary for health, well-being and sport, discussed challenges facing the health and social care sector and how occupational therapists deliver professional and prudent care to improve lives while saving the public purse.

Ms Vaughan and Ms Smillie displayed the work carried out by Monmouthshire’s occupational therapists to minimise admissions, reduce the length of hospital stays and ensure safe and timely discharges.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member for social care, safeguarding and health, Cllr Geoff Burrows said: “I welcome the report which indicates the valuable contribution of the county’s occupational therapists towards maintaining the health of our residents and I would like to congratulate Sarah and Kirsty on the recognition for the great work they do and for delivering this message to assembly members.”