ATTENTION is being focused on the work of Allied Health Professionals across Dumfries and Galloway as part of the fourth national AHP Day.
AHPs are a diverse group of practitioners who apply their expertise to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people of all ages across health, education and social care.
Joan Pollard is Director of Allied Health Professions, and she said: “Today, I would like to invite everyone to pause for a minute and give thought and recognition to the incredible work being carried out by our extremely dedicated Allied Health Professionals.
“Day in, day out, they play a fundamental role in ensuring the health and welfare of our region’s population, using expertise and knowledge across a wide range of areas to support people to live health, active and independent lives.
“The pandemic has impacted on all of us, and within our extremely stretched health and social care system AHPs have demonstrated incredible resilience in managing the huge pressures brought to bear on their working lives.
“I would like to thank each and every one of them for the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated in helping people. I would also like to thank those people they have helped, who have been patient and supportive of the work they have been undertaking amid very trying circumstances.
“Thanks also comes from the many colleagues of Allied Health Professionals for the superb collaborative support that has been provided to them over the past 12 months.
“I think it’s also extremely important to recognise the flexibility and willingness of AHPs to go above and beyond, and work outside of their normal roles in many situations in order to ensure the provision of appropriate care within the wider organisation.”
Allied Health Professionals within Dumfries and Galloway comprise podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, orthotists, paramedics, orthoptists, physiotherapists, diagnostic radiographers, and speech and language therapists.
Joan Pollard said: “I want to thank all of our Allied Health Professionals, and express how immensely proud I am to be associated with these incredibly talented and hard working people.
“I’m not sure everyone will appreciate how much we rely on our AHPs, or what sort of position we would be in without them, but this annual day hopefully provides an opportunity to highlight their roles and provide them with the recognition and thanks which is very much owed to every single person.”