14 October 2020
Jersey is celebrating Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Day today, by recognising AHPs for delivering outstanding health and social care.
AHPs represent a third of Jersey’s healthcare workforce and play a vital role in enabling islanders to live healthy, independent lives. They include 14 different professions – ranging from radiographers and orthoptists to many kinds of physical and mental health therapists.
Since COVID-19, many AHPs now work more in the community or homes of patients rather than the hospital.
Cheryl Power, Associate Chief for Allied Health Professions and Wellbeing, and a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, said: “Our AHPs have found many new and innovative ways of working during this pandemic. This includes working in new ways, adapting their roles to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients as well as the use of digital technology to enable AHPs to deliver services remotely.
“The rising challenges in the way AHPs typically work has meant they have needed to step out of their comfort zone and into new ways of working – they should be proud of what they have achieved. National AHP day allows us to celebrate, appreciate and recognise the extraordinary work they do.”
Deputy Richard Renouf, Minister for Health and Social Services, acknowledged the profession during a speech to professionals at the General Hospital today.
The Minister said: “We know that the past few months have not been easy for AHPs. The pandemic has impacted their working lives in a way that was unforeseen and unprecedented, but they have adapted to the changes and overcome many operational challenges to continue caring for patients.
“The impact on care and support AHPs have had throughout our Island community must be recognised and I am glad we are doing so today. Their roles are crucial to the delivery of the right care, in the right place for Islanders – whether that’s in a patient’s home or in one of our many health and community facilities.
“In fact, I often hear from Islanders who truly appreciate the work they do both here in the hospital and in the community. Whatever role they have in healthcare, their contribution is recognised, respected and valued.
“I know that the work they do inspires others and I hope that by recognising our Allied Health Professionals, as we are doing today, it will encourage the next generation of Islanders to pursue a career in one of the many diverse roles they each have.”
gov.je