County health professionals are allied for awareness activities

This Wednesday marks the national Allied Health Professions (AHP) Day, when members of professions as diverse as physiotherapy to paramedic science join to improve awareness about what they do and share the achievement and impact of the 14 AHP’s in the UK.

The Northamptonshire Allied Health Professionals’ Council works to support and develop the contribution AHP’s make to the health and care of the people in the county and is running a series of guest talks and activities that members of the public can join this week.

University of Northampton (UON) academic Dr Roshni Khatri is a member, providing the link to education and blogs here about why she became an AHP and how you can find out more about AHP careers at UON.

“When I was about 10 years old my grandfather, whom I was very close to, suffered a stroke which very swiftly took the man I knew away, leaving someone very different. He lost his ability so speak meaning I couldn’t communicate with him anymore, devastating for any grandchild I know but I felt it very acutely.

“I was there during his recovery and watched with fascination and deep interest as this person called an occupational therapist worked with him, help him to reintegrate back into his pre-stroke life, to his family and back to me. She helped him communicate with me again and that left a huge impression – I got my grandad back because of her.

“Occupational Therapy is one of 14 recognised Allied Health Professionals in the UK and my story is one of thousands of others out there that pay testament to the dedication, commitment and long-lasting legacy these professionals have on many more thousands of lives.

“Health Education England define AHPs as those who provide high quality care to patients and clients across a wide range of care pathways and in a variety of settings that include, hospitals, community, the independent and charitable sectors and schools. They work in health promotion to prevent accident or illness, they are active in treatment and rehabilitation and they promote self-help and independence.

“But not everyone knows who we are, what we do and how we can make a real impact for them and their families. That’s why it’s so important that we join forces to amplify our voices.

“That’s not to say we work in silos, away from each other. Far from it; AHPs very often practice alongside each other and nurses and doctors, and many other support services to enable people to engage in their lives again.

“In Northamptonshire, part of the AHP remit is to help ‘grow our own’ professionals and, as University of Northampton’s Subject Lead for four of these professional degree areas – Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy and Podiatry – we work with our local schools, services, trusts, etc to do just this!

“UON provides the education cog in the AHP machine: people in the county won’t reap the benefits without someone starting the engine in the first place. I know as my teams do that there are many budding AHPs out there in Northamptonshire who fit the description of an AHP: caring, innovative, professional, those who want to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“The Council are running a series of events throughout the week about AHPs that anyone can join, whether qualified or wanting to be. There’ll be a keynote speech from Angela Hillery – herself an AHP – at around 9am and I’ll be chairing a specific session on Tuesday afternoon, from 4-5pm, specifically about our AHP degrees at the University. I very much look forward to talking with anyone who is interested in joining our ranks!”

Allied Health Professions Week 2020 timetable.

Follow conversations on social media about Allied Health Professions Week 2020 using the hashtag: #AHPsDay

Follow the Northamptonshire Allied Health Professionals’ Council on Twitter.

Find out more about national AHP Day.