West Lothian Council’s Occupational Therapy Service is the first in Scotland to be awarded a Charter Mark, the government’s accolade for excellent customer service.
The Occupational Therapy Service works within the West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP).
Interim Chair of the CHCP, Councillor Graeme Morrice, said: “To be the first service of its type in Scotland to be awarded a coveted Charter Mark is testament to the dedication and customer care provided by the Occupational Therapy Service. It is particularly satisfying as this team has been working closely, through the CHCP, with colleagues in NHS Lothian to provide first class and seamless service to local people.”
David Kelly, director of the West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, said “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in gaining this Charter Mark. It is a fantastic result for the occupational therapy service in West Lothian.”
Anne Sherriff, occupational therapy team manager for adults, said “To gain a Charter Mark, organisations must meet six criteria: set standards and perform well; be actively engaged with customers, partners and staff; be fair and accessible and promote choice; continuously develop and improve; use resources effectively and contribute to enhancing opportunity and quality of life in the community we serve.
“Charter Mark is a fantastic achievement reflecting the excellent service we provide for people with disabilities in West Lothian. Initiatives such as the Self-Assessment Service successfully helped the team gain the award. This service allows customers to speedily access minor adaptations and equipment without the need for an assessment contributing to a significant drop in waiting times.
“Also improvements are made through council and health working together such as the same occupational therapist, where possible, carrying out all work, with the handover to specialist services where required contributing to improved early discharge from hospital.”
Occupational therapy’s aim is to enable children, adults and older people with physical, mental and/or learning difficulties to be as independent as possible in the community.
More information on the Community Health and Care Partnership, and health and social care services such as, OT, GP practices, dentists, dieticians, podiatry, services for adults with disabilities, mental health, services for older people, healthy eating and much more are now available online www.westlothianchcp.org.uk
Ends Issued by: Elaine Henderson, pr development manager
Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:54:10
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