On November 1st, CAOT-SK Regional Director Christine Fleming attended Question Period of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, where the government was repeatedly asked when they would start training occupational therapists here in Saskatchewan.
Christine was joined by a delegation of SK health professionals advocating for occupational therapy, including Sandra Jones, occupational therapist and Member at large on the Kinsmen Foundation Board of Directors; David Nelson, Senior Consultant with the Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan Division; Cynthia Bojkovsky, occupational therapist; Jan Besse, recently-retired Director, Rehabilitation Services & Transitional Care Unit, Regina Area at Saskatchewan Health Authority; and Cathy Cuddington, physical therapist and Clinical Coordinator (Regina), Clinical Lecturer, School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan.
Watch the recording of the proceedings from the 2:10 pm mark to 2:21 pm.
Advocating for the USask School of Rehabilitation Science OT Program
On May 1, 2023, CAOT-SK regional director Christine Fleming participated in the information exchange with USask School of Rehabilitation Science and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education regarding the OT and SLP Program development. Over 110 OTs and SLPs were in attendance for the virtual event.
You can still contribute to this conversation! Use the following feedback portal to weigh in and comment on why the OT program is needed and how it can help to meet current and future demands. Consider commenting on the following:
• how has the shortage affected the way you deliver care
• what savings do you see for your system/client/SHA/Education if there was a provincial program
• what benefits could there be for the province if OTs were trained locally
• what benefits do you see the province/other disciplines/clients gaining by having OTs trained in Saskatchewan.
• any other concerns or insights.
Please share this link with other colleagues and partners as their input is also requested - https://rehabscience.usask.ca/
12 Reasons Why Saskatchewan Needs an Occupational Therapy School
MLA Clinician Letter Template
Better Care, Better Value - Saskatchewan needs OT
SSOT Position Statements:
SSOT Demonstration Project:
- This project was implemented to determine the impact of occupational therapy transition services for persons with mental illness who were returning to the community after hospitalization.
- Occupational Therapy Services in Mental Health: Supporting Transition to the Community
Jordan's Principle:
- Saskatchewan Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines
- Jordan's Principle website or call toll free 1-833-752-4453 (1-833-JPCHILD)