Posted on: 24 February 2022
We are delighted to introduce our Lead Allied Health Professional (AHP) Support Workers.
AHP Support Workers are vital in CNWL’s therapies teams and have varied roles across many clinical services, as Assistants and Associate Practitioners to Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dietitians and Podiatrists. Roles also include Activity Coordinators and Fitness Instructors.
Pip, Arron and Caroline (see below) will join the AHP Support Worker project as leads to connect AHP Support Workers to the therapies leadership team and to address themes raised by AHP Support Workers across the Trust to
- improve learning and development opportunities
- enable career progression
- value and recognise AHP Support Workers
- develop networks.
Dr Ryan Kemp, Director of Therapies says “Really excited by this project and equally delighted we have such tremendous support from Pip, Arron and Caroline. Support workers have a significant contribution to make in delivering therapy services to our patients and service users. We hope to build confidence in our staff and enhance the opportunities for them in the years to come.”
Pip Watson is a Therapies Practitioner in the Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Milton Keynes, working with Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
Pip became an AHP Support Worker in 2012 and has worked in CNWL since 2019. Pip says:
“I am excited to have been chosen to support the AHP Support Worker project. It’s a great opportunity for all AHP Support Workers to have a voice. I hope the project will bring us together and we will be able to create a network whereby all AHP Support Workers can be included.”
Arron Miller is an Exercise and Health Therapist Support Worker in the Occupational Therapy Team at the Tamarind Centre. Arron has worked in CNWL for almost five years. He says:
"I am delighted about the Lead Support Worker role. It’s an optimistic and important time for Allied Health Professionals as the NHS moves towards more integrated services. Our aim is to build a valued community, and support network that develops the learning and career progressions for AHP Support Workers.”
Caroline Toes says “I think the most important thing about this project is that it will achieve clear definition and recognition of the value of the support worker role and provide opportunities for progression.”
Caroline has worked as a Rehabilitation Assistant with Home 1st in Milton Keynes since 2019. Caroline works with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to support people to be discharged from hospital and continue recovery at home, or to avoid going into hospital.
