More than 300 occupational therapists across Wales have signed an open letter urging the new Welsh Government to make prevention and community-based care a top priority as pressure on health and social care services continues to grow.

Members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) say occupational therapists should play a bigger role in helping people stay independent, avoid hospital admissions and receive support earlier, before problems escalate.

The call comes as NHS waiting lists, staff shortages and increasing demand continue to place strain on services across Wales. RCOT members argue that investing in earlier support in local communities could help reduce pressure on hospitals and social care services while improving people’s quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, helping them carry out everyday activities that are important to them. This can include supporting premature babies and families in neonatal units, helping children take part in school life, assisting adults to stay in or return to work, and enabling older people to live safely and independently at home.

The profession focuses on practical support, adaptations and rehabilitation to help people manage illness, disability or recovery from injury.

In the letter, members warn that Wales “cannot afford to wait for crises to happen” and say more investment is needed in prevention and early intervention.

The therapists are calling for five key changes, including embedding occupational therapists into every community healthcare cluster, improving workforce planning, increasing long-term funding for innovation and ensuring occupational therapists have greater access to senior leadership roles.

RCOT says evidence shows occupational therapy can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions, shorten recovery times and support people with long-term conditions to remain active and employed. The organisation argues that this not only benefits individuals, but can also reduce costs across health and social care services and support the Welsh economy.

Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales at RCOT, said: “Wales can’t afford to keep waiting for a crisis to happen. Occupational therapists are already preventing hospital admissions, easing pressure on stretched services and supporting people to do the occupations they want and need to do.

“But they need to be positioned to provide the right support at the right time to make maximum impact. This is a clear call to invest in prevention, unlock our potential and put community-based care at the heart of a healthier Wales.”

The proposals form part of RCOT’s wider vision for health and social care in Wales and come as political parties prepare for a new term in government following the Senedd election.

The organisation is now urging ministers, local authorities, health boards and healthcare leaders to work more closely with occupational therapists to deliver earlier support and more care closer to home.

Further information about the campaign can be found on RCOT Wales.