14 October marks Allied Health Professionals Day.

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are the third-largest clinical staff group in the NHS, with 14 professions under the AHP umbrella.

AHPs day spotlights the significant contributions AHPs make care across the NHS. The theme this year is Quality and Safety, in alignment with the aspirations of the ‘People First’ and ‘Optimising Care’ areas of focus within the AHP strategy for England (2022-2027): AHPs Deliver.

At North London Mental Health Partnership, there are around 300 Art Therapy, Dramatherapy, Dietetic, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech and Language Therapy staff. In January 2024, the AHPs held a celebration event reflecting upon improvement and innovation initiatives spearheaded by AHPs across the North London Mental Health Partnership.

In celebration, the Trust said: "As we celebrate AHPs Day 2024, we honour the work of all AHPs in North London who, through their commitment to quality and safety, are delivering exceptional care, improving lives, and shaping the future of mental health care in North London. By embracing data, digital innovation, research, workforce development, alongside a commitment to reducing health inequalities, AHPs in the North London Mental Health Partnership have incredible potential to lead and transform our current and future services to ensure they are safe, effective, and responsive to the needs of our community. Let's celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to supporting AHPs in their vital work. "

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust highlighted some of the work that has been taking place across the trust.

They said: "This AHP day our heads of profession are proud to share some amazing highlights from across the Trust. We are aware that there are also many more areas of great practice happening and want to thank all our AHPs, registered and unregistered, for the work they do every day.  Please get together with your AHP colleagues to celebrate AHP day, with a cuppa and a cake in your local teams. Each and every one of you in our AHP family make a massive difference to patients’ lives and CNWL are lucky to have you."

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has more than 400 staff working in AHP roles, including dieticians, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, paramedics, physiotherapists, podiatrists, orthotists, therapeutic radiographers, diagnostic radiographers and speech and language therapists.

AHP staff across the trust have been alking about their roles and the different ways to start a career as an AHP.

Dominic McBurney began his job as a diagnostic radiographer at the RUH five months ago after completing a degree with the University of the West of England (UWE). 

He said: “My mum used to be a radiographer, so it was something that was always around me growing up and there was always an interest there. I also like talking to people and using incredible equipment – so the job really appealed to me!

“The degree course was perfect as it gives you time to learn on the job through work placements, which I found so helpful. It’s when you get to ask all the questions you need to and get such helpful supervision – you learn so much.

“You’ll find me based mainly in our emergency department, carrying out X-rays for broken bones and imaging chests for possible infections.

“It’s a great job and the RUH has supported me really well with my career progression too, providing funding for extra training and giving me opportunities to work across departments with other AHP teams to further my experience.”