Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 15 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Occupational Therapy: Surrey

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the use of occupational therapists on hospital admission rates in Surrey.

Answer: In Surrey and across the country, occupational therapists play a key role in reducing hospital admissions and supporting timely discharge by assessing the physical, cognitive and social factors that influence a person’s ability to remain safe and independent at home. They work across settings including emergency departments, urgent community response services, reablement and rehabilitation and discharge planning. Through functional assessment, risk identification, and the provision of equipment or adaptations, they support individuals to regain or maintain essential daily living skills. These interventions help reduce emergency attendances, hospital admissions and readmissions, as well as prevent avoidable escalation in care needs.

Secondary information