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.