Purpose

There is currently a significant shortage of
directly employed Occupational Therapists at Herefordshire Council,
which has contributed to a substantial backlog of statutory OT
assessments.

Currently there are 508 outstanding OT assessments within the
council and in order to reduce some of the backlog, NRS has
confirmed it can complete approximately 200 OT assessments in six
months from 29 August 2023 to 28 February 2024.

Failure to undertake assessments within a reasonable time would
mean Herefordshire Council is not meeting its statutory obligations
under the Care Act 2014, therefore this solution ensures the
council’s responsibilities are fully met.

NRS currently delivers the council’s Integrated Community
Equipment Service and has a proven track record of prevention and
helping to keep individuals healthy within our communities, which
supports the Herefordshire Joint Local Health and Wellbeing
Strategy 2023 – 2033.

The additional OT assessments will not affect NRS’ current
contract delivery / obligations and is permitted within the ICES
contract.