I know someone who could benefit from occupational therapy. How do I arrange this and who pays?
Ask a doctor to refer you to a state-registered occupational therapist. Or look for the number of your local hospital or social services in the telephone directory and ask for the occupational therapy department.
Alternatively you could contact an independent occupational therapists for assistance. A directory of OTs can be found at the COT Specialist Section-Independent Practice website or telephone their enquiry line on 0800 389 4873.
The cost of treatment can be covered by the National Health Service or, if you are a private patient, by your insurance company.
How do I know if an occupational therapist is properly registered?
All occupational therapists are required to be registered with the regulatory body, the HPC. The HPC is responsible for the conduct, performance and ethical behaviour of its registrants.Occupational therapists whose names are removed ('struck off') from the HPC register will be deemed members not of good standing and steps will be taken to revoke their membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
Making a complaint against an occupational therapist
Every attempt should be made to resolve issues at a local level e.g. the Trust or Local Authority. However, if you are not satisfied and wish to take this complaint further, please contact the HPC. Its website will contain information on how it handles allegations against registrants. You will be required to fill in a form for your complaint.
