How fair is Fair Access to Care Services? A survey of occupational therapy teams

Abstract

Statutory legislation dictates that local authorities in the UK provide equipment and minor works for vulnerable and disabled people. The service is financed through central government and local council taxes. The authorities employ occupational therapists to assess and make recommendations for equipment and adaptations. This represents a substantial financial commitment; for example in 2003/4, over 2 000 occupational therapists were employed to provide this service and 483 000 people received equipment and adaptations (Department of Health (DH), 2005).