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Aromatherapy and Occupational Therapy

Helen Sanderson and Judy Ruddle

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Introduction increased. The amplitude of brain waves generally increases


when a person is alert and concentrating, and the stimulant
The recent popularity of alternative or complementary medi-
caffeine had the same effect. During the experiment, heart
cines is reflected in the profession as many occupational ther- rate and level of sleepiness did not change. The pattern of the
apists are considering their use in the treatment of clients. brain waves also consistently went down when the subjects
This interest has also been mirrored in the physiotherapy and
were exposed to the sedative fragrances of some essential
nursing professions with introductions to complementary ther- oils.s
apies now being included in several training courses. The experimental data are interesting, but it is not within
Occupational therapists need to consider whether aromathera-
the scope of the article to present a comprehensive literature
py can offer anything as a 'therapeutic activity' and whether
review of the current experimental and anecdotal support of
the boundaries of the profession could be extended to consid-
aromatherapy; the reader ;s referred to the references to con-
er using some basic aromatherapy techniques.
sider this.
This article examines what aromatherapy is, issues around
its use as a therapeutic activity and how it is currently being
utilised by occupational therapists.
The importance of touch
Many believe that the strength of aromatherapy lies in the
What is aromatherapy? interrelation of the three elements of the essential oils, mas-
Aromatherapy is the use and application of essential oils to sage and therapist/client relationship.s Massage is therapeu-
promote health and wellbeing through massage, inhalation, tic touch, and the absence of touch has been shown to have
baths, compresses, creams and lotlons.i profound effects on health.
Essential oils are natural, non-oily fragrant essences which It is known that premature babies thrive and children in
are extracted from plants through the process of distillation. hospital recover more quickly if touched and cuddled. Spitz,6
The oils are obtained from various parts of a plant, from the of the New York Foundling Hospital, found that although
flower (lavender), stem (Iemongrass), leaf (eucalyptus, gerani- babies in the hospital were kept well fed and in clean condi-
um), or tree (sandalwood). tions, they had a high death rate. Whilst in Mexico, Spitz
Each oil is thought to have its own therapeutic effect on observed babies in a local orphanage, not so clean and well
certain parts of the mind, the body and its systems. Essential fed but nevertheless happier and healthier than those in the
oils have many different properties, often including antide- Foundling Hospital. The difference lay in the fact that the vil-
pressant, antibacterial or sedative qualitles.s lage women came into the orphanage every day and played
Although used beneficially for many years, the properties with the children. They fondled, stroked and talked to the
of essential oils are now being examined by the medical and babies, while in New York, the children were left in their cots.e
scientific comrnunrty.e . Massage is an extension of the urge to 'rub something better'
Data are being gathered to support claims made regarding and is a valued and age-appropriate way of introducing touch
the ptiysical and psychological effects of essential oils. into many people's lives.
Essential oil of tea tree has now been established as a rival Prescot," an American neuropsychologist, states that the
to benzol peroxide in the treatment of acne, yet with fewer absence or withdrawal of physical affection in early life, and
side effects. 3 even as an adult, may be responsible for many types of dis-
Torti.s from Toho University School of Medicine in Japan, turbed behaviour, such as depression, violence, aggression
has conducted studies examining the effects of the aroma of and hyperactiVity. Similar results have been found by Bowlby8
different essential oils through monitoring brain waves. The and Rutter? in their studies of maternal deprivation. As more
researchers tested 19 different essential oils and found that people recognise the importance of touch and its positive
when the subject was presented with the fragrance of an invig- effects on the immune system and psyche,10 so the value of
orating oil, such as jasmine, the amplitude of the brain wave aromatherapy becomes more apparent.

Helen Sanderson, DipCOT, SROT, DipSPA, MISPA, Development Officer, South Manchester Services for People with Learning Difficulties.
Address for correspondence: 23 Queenston Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 8NX.
Judy RUddle, DipCOT, SROT, DipSPA, MISPA, formerly Head Occupational Therapist, Community Resource Team (Learning Difficulties),
Sandbach, Crewe.

310 British Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1992, 55(8)


The history of aromatherapy Aromatherapy and occupational
Although aromatherapy has only recently become popular, the therapy
principles on which it is based have ancient origins. The earli- Holistic foundations
est recorded uses of aromatic plants for medicinal purposes
There has been a recent call for occupational therapists to
date back to Egyptian times. At this time, plants were being
revert to their holistic foundations, rather than the current
used both internally and externally for respiratory, skin and
emphasis on the medical model, and return to consider the
intestinal problems as well as for cosmetic purposes, most
interrelation of mind and body.ll,12 The word 'holism' means
significantly for embalming. At the same time as the
'the tendency in nature to produce wholes from the ordered
Egyptians, aromatic oils were also being used within China
grouping of units'.13 A holistic approach encompasses the
and India.
belief that the primary responsibility for health and healing
The use of aromatic oils within Europe is recorded in medi-
remains with the individual receiving therapy. All aspects of
aeval manuscripts which make reference to how to infuse and
the individual are considered and the individual is not com-
make certain scented oils. By the 16th century, with the
partmentalised into physical, mental, spiritual and emotional
invention of printing, recipes which included methods of treat-
capacities.
ment using aromatic oils were being published, It was also
Kielhofner 12 states that the profession has lost its coher-
noted that through the middle ages, glove makers and per-
ent foundation and much of its essential character through
fumers - who used the oils to mask body odour in particu-
being aligned more closely with the medical profession. As
lar - rarely, if ever, succumbed to any of the diseases/ill-
stated earlier, in the general public there is a gradual move
nesses of that tlme.>
away from an orthodox medical approach, with individuals
The 18th and 19th centuries brought an increase in experi-
showing less Willingness to trust medical authority and
ments to reproduce the therapeutic properties of essential
searching for ways to improve health through nutrition and fit-
oils synthetically and gradually medicines began to take the
ness using holistic or complementary therapies. In a recent
place of aromatic oils. 2
study, eight out of ten people questioned said that they would
However, the 20th century has brought renewed interest in
use alternative practices to treat their altments.>
the use of essential oils and natural remedies generally.
There is a gradual change in public attitudes where health
Gattefosse, a French chemist, discovered that many of the
is no longer seen as simply a lack of disease but as 'well-
essential oils in his perfume products had in fact greater anti-
being', a more positive approach where mental and physical
septic properties than their chemical counterparts. Following
wellbeing is actively sought after. The profession is challenged
an explosion in his laboratory, he burnt his hand badly and
as to whether to move with the times and consider the con-
plunged his hand into neat lavender oil. He discovered that
cepts and practice of the profession in relation to current
his hand healed exceptionally quickly and with no scarring,
changes of thought and practice. This could involve embracing
which led him to research further the use of essential oils. It
practices Which are considered 'alternative'15 or complemen-
was Gattefosse who first coined the term 'aromatherapie' and
tary.
in 1928 published the first modern book on the subject.1
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy, considering the person
Other French scientists and physicians have continued this
in terms of mind, body and spirit, in keeping with the funda-
work including Valnet, who became known for the use of
mental tenets of occupational therapy as defined by Reillyll
essential oils to treat severe burns and battle injuries
and Kielhofner. 12
throughout World War I, and later in the psychiatric hospltals.v
Aromatherapy began to be introduced to the medical pro-
More recently Maury, a French biochemist who carried out
fessions through the Aromatherapy-in-Careproject. This is a
research on essential oils, further developed the massage
voluntary service where aromatherapists work alongside the
techniques used within aromatnerapy.e
medical profession in various hospitals and hospices through-
out the country coordinated by the International Federation of
The aims of aromatherapy Aromatherapists. There has been much interest from the
Today, aromatherapy is used in a variety of settings, including nursing and physiotherapy professions in aromatherapy and
the private sector, hospital and social services, by a variety of massage.
health and social services professionals. Aromatherapy can Milne (unpublished Observations, 1990) made a compara-
be used with all age and client groups: in physical medicine tive study of the therapeutic potential of aromatherapy within
and mental health, and with children, elderly people, and four NHS settings. The use of aromatherapy was examined
those with learning disabilities. A qualified aromatherapist within a day hospice, surgical ward, infectious diseases unit
may use aromatherapy to achieve any of the following thera- and acute psychiatric admissions ward. The subjects recorded
peutic benefits: the benefits of aromatherapy as relaxation, an antidepres-
1. To facilitate relaxation and reduce stress sant, a sedative, helping to alleviate muscle aches and pains,
2. To invigorate and promote activity and alertness breaking down barriers and encouraging people to talk,
3. To stimulate sensory awareness strengthening the immune system, building trust and useful
4. To facilitate and encourage interaction and communication for cosmetic reasons, for example, poor skin conditions.
5. To treat medical problems using natural substances At the Oxford Nursing Development Unit, patients are
6. To provide natural pain relief. offered an aromatherapy massage instead of analgesics or
Depending on the client group, an aromatherapist may use seoauves.s One of the most commonly used sedatives is
essential oils in a variety of ways to facilitate relaxation, to temazepam, which now has a rival in effectiveness in the
invigorate or to treat medical problems through the tech- form of essential oils of lavender and rnarioram.
niques of massage, compresses, creams, inhalations and A study undertaken using foot massage with people who
room aromas. However, further to this, olfactory stimulation are in hospital with mental health problems indicated that
using essential oils can be used effectively within sensory touching and massage are important in reducing tenslon.w
stimulation for people who have severe learning diffiCUlties Many similar studies have been carried out in hospital set-
and in reminiscence work with elderly people." tings and Holrnes.w Sirns-? and Turton 18 have all evaluated
Occupational therapists wishing to use aromatherapy may the positive therapeutic and relaxing value of massage.
just concentrate on the most common use of aromatherapy:
for relaxation.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1992, 55(8) 311


Professional anxieties concentration or within reality orientation or reminiscence
therapy groups. The smell of lavender or lemon may recall
As aromatherapy is beginning to become adopted in some
specific memories for people. In the physical field, essential
areas of the health service, many issues and professional
oil of lavender is employed in several burns units to promote
anxieties are raised for occupational therapists. Many claim
rapid healing, and on wards for elderly patients the same oil
that occupational therapy's holistic stance is its greatest
is used to promote restful sleep. Lastly, but as important,
strength.t? but as Green20 suggests this very strength could
there is the use of essential oils and aromatherapy within
be its Achilles heel: 'Occupational therapy is suffering from a
sensory stimulation to encourage people with more severe
chronic case of role anxiety.'
learning difficulties to become more aware of themselves and
Alongside this renewed interest in a holistic base, current
their environment through the use of the senses of touch and
changes in the health service have also led to increased
smell, through multisensory massage and interactive mas-
emphasis on measuring objectives in behavioural terms,
accountability and identifying core skills. Green20 assesses
sage.i
Case histories are provided from occupational therapists
that without a unifying theoretical or skill base, there is little
who are trained aromatherapists and describe how aromather-
to differentiate the occupational therapy profession from
apy has been used with people who have terminal illness or
other health professionals who perform rehabilitative func-
mental health problems or who are HIV positive. These case
tions. There is much anxiety about other professions, who are
histories are presented as illustrations of the ways in which
doing things which are seen as outside their core role, there-
aromatherapy could be utilised within occupational therapy
fore affecting interprofessional boundaries. This has led to
and should not be seen as an attempt to provide evidence or
the development of a conservative and reductionistic view
proof that aromatherapy is effective.
when, in identifying core skills, anything which is or can be
practised by another professional is considered not to be true
occupational therapy, rather than the more liberal view which Case histories
is grounded in a more flexible and holistic stance. The use of aromatherapy with people who are
Aromatherapy, whilst also practised by other professions, is
HIV positive
well suited as a resource for occupational therapists.
When considering the possible use of aromatherapy, ques- Fiona Roberts describes the use of aromatherapy with people
tions are asked about precise measured outcomes and cost- who are HIV positive: Aromatherapy and massage are two of a
effectiveness. Although a valuable quantitative research into large range of treatment techniques used with people affect-
aromatherapy has already been cited,s the clinical effective- ed by the HIV infection. Its use here evolved from finding
ness of aromatherapy is best established through qualitative other anxiety management techniques unsuitable for the
data. 2 client group, the majority of whom are drug users. Patients
Since the value of aromatherapy is based on the interrela- found it difficult to aim for a relaxed state because they had
tion of the presence of the therapist, touch and essential oils, no experience of it. Aromatherapy and massage enables them
quantitative research may not be an appropriate method for to discover relaxation whilst in a passive state. No responsi-
identifying subtle changes in a person's quality of life. Kelly bility is put on the patient and this is anxiety relieving in itself.
and McFarlane15 suggest that qualitative research methods It has then been possible to teach people other anxiety man-
are more consistent with occupational therapy values than the agement techniques which they can use independently
reductionistic research approaches which quantitative study because they know what a relaxed state feels like and there-
fragments without considering contextual factors. fore have something to aim for.
Tom is a 33-year-old man who was referred for occupation-
al therapy for anxiety management because his anxious state
The current use of aromatherapy within occu- was having an adverse effect on his independence. From his
pational therapy initial interview, Tom attributed many of his symptoms of
Aromatherapy and massage are currently being used by many sweating, headaches, palpitations and feeling faint to HIV
occupational therapists and other professionals in a variety of infection rather than anxiety. From this assessment it was
settings to develop a therapeutic relationship, as part of anxi- found that Tom's anxiety centred around what he felt was his
ety management or sensory stimulation or to promote physi- imminent death and the stigma of being HIV positive.
cal function, for example to help to mobilise stiff hands In practice, his anxiety focused on being alone in the
before a hand class. house in case he became ill. He also found it increasingly dif-
One such example is where an occupational therapist work- ficult to go out because he felt that people were looking at
ing with children massages the children's hands for 15 min- him and knew his diagnosis. It became apparent from the
utes using lavender essential oil in a carrier oil to relax mus- assessment that enormous strain was being placed on his
cles and mobilise the joints prior to a hand class. Once the Wife who was unable to leave him at home. This coupled with
hands are relaxed and opened out, the occupational therapist the knowledge that Tom was going to die was making their
can then move on to the main part of the treatment session, relationship difficult.
which may include the use of switches to encourage control of The aims of Tom's occupational therapy programme in the
the environment or hand/finger painting for sensory purpos- short term were to educate him regarding anxiety and the vari-
es. ous methods of managing it; give him reassurance regarding
With all client groups, aromatherapy can be used for relax- the stages of HIV; and provide space to allow him to express
ation purposes, whether this be through massage (full or part his fears about dying and to reduce his anxiety level. In the
body, hand or foot) alongside conventional relaxation tech- long term, the aims were to enable Tom to stay in alone, to go
niques or simply making a room fragrant with a relaxing scent. out and to teach his wife to massage him. Methods of treat-
The opposite effect to relaxation is one of invigoration ment included education about anxiety and coping mecha-
where the therapist is looking to encourage alertness or pro- nisms, systematic desensitisation regarding staying in the
mote activity. Again, in this case, the oils may be burned to house alone, and simple relaxation.
create a room aroma or used in a morning bath, for example Aromatherapy was chosen as part of the treatment pro-
to prepare for the day. gramme in order to enable Tom to experience a 'relaxed' state
Working with elderly people, an occupational therapist may whilst in a passive role and therefore reduce the risk of fail-
use olfactory stimulation through essential oils to promote ure, and as something which he and his wife could eventually

312 British Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1992, 55(8)


do together. In the initial stages of treatment, Tom was unable The therapeutic techniques used by the occupational thera-
to use other forms of simple relaxation. The essential oils pist included aromatherapy massage and therapeutic baths
chosen were the relaxing oils of ylang ylang, bergamot and using lavender and marjoram in conjunction with more tradi-
lavender. Tea tree was included for its antiviral and antifungal tional relaxation techniques. In addition, Henry received coun-
properties. selling which helped him to explore his feelings of loss,
Tom was seen daily for one week whilst an inpatient, then accept his limitations and discuss a healthy balance of activi-
weekly for 8 weeks. Following discharge, he had open access ty and relaxation.
for other appointments when he felt that it was necessary. Various essential oils were used over a 6-month period as
The benefits from using aromatherapy included enabling Tom blends for massage. Rosemary and lavender obtained opti-
to experience relaxation after the first massage without a mum pain relief in this case and other oils were used to add
sense of failure which had a positive effect on his self- to the therapeutic effects of the above, including benzoin, car-
esteem. It also provided him with an opportunity to talk about damon, juniper, bergamot, neroli, tea tree and pine during dif-
death and his family life which he had previously found diffi- ferent massages. The last three were chosen during periods
cult. In the long term, the relaxed state which Tom experi- of sinus trouble and chest infection to which Henry was also
enced through aromatherapy enabled him to try other forms vulnerable.
of anxiety management which he could use independently. After 6 months various changes had occurred:
Tom wanted his wife to learn how to massage and in return 50% reduction in medication ' ,
his wife wanted to be massaged. They both learned simple - Increased range of movement in his neck, head and shoul-
massage skills which helped to remove Tom from the sick role ders
to some extent because he could show caring for his wife - No sleep problems
through massage which improved their relationship. - Reduction in anxiety and sadness
Aromatherapy was used in this situation to meet some of - Widely applied relaxation techniques
Tom's needs, where more traditional methods of relaxation - Decrease in back pain
did not appear to be initially appropriate. Increase in assertiveness, resulting in obtaining by
requests an appointment for surgery
The use of aromatherapy within a hospice - Increase in overall levels of satisfying activity: during the
spring Henry dug and stocked a pond to his immense satis-
Kathryn Boog describes the use of aromatherapy as part of
faction.
an occupational therapy programme to help a patient learn to
relax: Isobel was referred to the day hospice by one of the
doctors following a visit to her home. She is a 50-year-old Conclusion
widow with a large family, who says that she has devoted her This overview describes the nature of aromatherapy and con-
life to looking after her family and now regrets that she has siders some ofthe issues related to its use. It is hoped that it
had no time to spare for herself. Aromatherapy was chosen will introduce occupational therapists to aromatherapy as a
as part of tsobel's programme as a way of giving her time and treatment medium and encourage them to consider its use for
space in which to relax and allow her the opportunity to learn relaxation within the therapeutic environment.
to care for herself and acknowledge her own needs. With the general public's gradual move from the orthodox
lsobel decided that she would like a back and neck mas- medical approach towards improvement of health and wellbe-
sage and the oils chosen were the relaxing oils of lavender, ing through nutrition, exercise, relaxation and complementary
geranium and rose in a grapeseed oil base. The initial mas- therapies, the profession also needs to consider Whether to
sage lasted approximately 10 minutes, lsobel first having a include new approaches to relaxation and wellbeing such as
warm bath. Even during this short time she had closed her aromatherapy.
eyes and relaxed and it was several minutes after the mas- Most advocates of the use of aromatherapy would not
sage before she gradually roused herself. She described the encourage the adoption of full body massage as an accepted
massage as wonderful and very relaxing. occupational therapy intervention, since they feel it should be
Isobel thereafter had a massage twice weekly for approxi- left to the arometneraptst, massage therapist or physiothera-
mately 20 minutes per session, after which she usually fell pist where required. Others consider that if the occupational
asleep. She is now an inpatient in the hospice and, on the therapist is qualified in aromatherapy then he/she could offer
day of her admission, she requested a massage to relax her full body massage as part of a treatment plan.
before going onto the ward. She continues to have twice-week- The use of hand and foot massage as 'tools for the occu-
ly massages which she describes as marvellous and which pational therapist's kit bag', could be considered, and with
have helped her to relax considerably. training the use of essential oils to make massage oil or to
vaporise in a treatment session.
The use of aromatherapy with people who Occupational therapists with aromatherapy qualifications
have mental health problems have been invited to a couple of occupational therapy schools
Lesley McCallion describes the use of aromatherapy to treat to speak on the basics of aromatherapy. However, to prevent
Henry, a 69-year-old retired carpenter: Henry was referred by tarnishing the reputations of either occupational therapy or
his GP and had always worked with his hands until ill health arornatherapy, guidelines are currently being developed for the
forced him to give up 16 years previously. use of complementary practices.
An initial occupational therapy assessment revealed a vari-
ety of areas with which Henry wanted help. Henry was experi- Acknowledgements
encing a decline in level of energy due to pain,depression Thanks to the three contributors - Fiona Roberts, Kathryn Boog
and frustration, feelings of anxiety, hyperventilation when dis- and Lesley McCallion - for their help in making this paper possible;
tressed, sleep problems, high levels of pain-relieving medica- to Michael Chevalier and Andy Gitsham for their editorial assistance;
tion resulting in feelings of helplessness and frustration, low and to Sheila Milne for details of her study for a BSCOT.
back pain and pain in head, neck and shoulders resulting in a References
limited range of head, neck and shoulder movement, and a
1. Sanderson H, Harrison J, Price S. Aromatherapy and massage far
marked Dupuytren's contracture in the right hand (he had oeoote who have learning difficulties. King's Heath, Birmingham;
been on the waiting list for surgery for 5 years). Hands-On Publishing, 1991.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1992, 55(8) 313


2. Tisserand R. Aromatherapy for everyone. London: Penguin, 1980. 13. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University
3. Tea-tree oil and acne. Lancet 1990; 336(Dec 8): 1438. Press, 1982.
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127 (Aug 25): 44-47. 15. Kelly G, McFarlane H. Zen in the art of occupational therapy, part
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6. Spitz R (1946). Cited in: Montague A. Touching - the human 16. Holmes P. Fringe benefits. Nurs Times 1986; 82 (May 28): 2()'
significance o( the skin. New York: Harper and Row, 1986. 22.
7. Prescot J (1963). Cited in: Montague A. Touching - the human 17. Sims S. Slow stroke massage for cancer patients. Nurs Times
significance of the skin. New York: Harper and Row, 1986. 1986; 82 (Nov 19): 47·50.
8. Bowlby J. Attachment and loss 2: separation, anxiety and anger. 18. Turton (1989). Therapeutic touch; its place in nursing care. In:
London: Hogarth Press, 1973. Pritchard AP, ed. Cancer nursing - a revolution in care.
9. Rutter M. Maternal deprivation reassessed. Harmondsworth: Proceedings from the Fifth International Conference in Cancer
Penguin, 1981. Nursing. London: MacMillan, 1989.
10. Montague A. Touching - the human significance ot the skin. 19. Alaszewski A, Metzler H, Hainsworth M. The management and
New York: Harper and Row, 1986. morale of NHS remedial therapists; an extended final report.
11. Reilly M. The education process. Am J Occup Ther 1969; 23: 8, Health Soc Serv J 1977; 87.
17,25,167. 20. Green S. Shaking our foundations, part 2. Br J Occup Ther 1991;
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tion. Baltimore; Williams and Wilkins, 1985.

COT 17th Annual Conference,


Loughborough
Workshops
Regional officers' workshop 80 questionnaires asking members what they wanted and
only received 3 replies!
As the newly elected Secretary of the South West Thames The main speaker of the day was Jo Lucas, Development
Regional Group of BAOT, the day organised by Jackie Holder Director for National MIND, who spoke on cascading informa-
and Jill Rees was just what I needed in order to put everything tion down to members of MIND. The structure of MIND is dif·
firmly in perspective. ferent to BAOT, with a national office in Harley Street, six
The day started with a talk from Christine Craik on the role regional offices. and many local associations and individual
of the Council and of the Chairman of Council. She related the members. Ms Lucas talked about the different reasons why
history of BAOT and described the composition of Council and you communicate. to whom, and what issues need consider-
the various committee structures. She told us that the only ing - whether a response is needed or whether the commu-
criterion for standing for Chairman of Council is to have been nication is for information or consultation. She suggested that
a professional member of at least 5 years' good standing - 'information sent' and 'response needed' could be shown by
'good' presumably meaning having paid the subscription! The using different colour paper, thus bringing it to members'
Chairman is elected by the membership annually, but cannot attention.
serve on Council for more than 5 years. Mrs Craik went on to Stephanie Correia then spoke on the roles of the BAOT
list the various committees she chairs and told us that, regional steward and the BAOT/Apex staff representative.
together with the Secretary, she coordinates the business of Here we heard about the importance of having stewards, par-
BAOT/COT and represents them at key events. ticularly with the changes in NHS. There are 40 trade unions
Beryl Steeden, Head of Professional Affairs at COT, spoke in the NHS and the trusts are not recognising all these. The
of the Professional Affairs Department which consists of the trusts are writing their own policies of, for example. equal
Education Department and DISC. The annual student intake is opportunity and grievance procedures. and stewards need to
approximately 1200 and there are 27 occupational therapy be involved in this. There are about 450 stewards around the
courses throughout the country; as of 1992, the 3-year full- country and ideally each one should look after 10 BAOT mem-
time courses (4-year full-time in Ulster) are all of degree sta- bers. BAOT has automatic recognition in the NHS but did not
tus. The DISC service would be available from 20 July, includ- achieve this with local authorities so entered into a relation-
ing a general enquiry and library service. A leaflet giving full ship with GMB/Apex. BAOT members everywhere only have
details is available from COT. representation if there are BAOT stewards or Apex staff repre-
Four regional officers then each gave a 5-minute talk on sentatives. so these posts are vital.
the successes and problems of working at regional level. Vikki The final speaker of the day was Sheelagh Richards who
Wallace (PRO, Northern Region) talked about the problems of told us about her role as Occupational Therapy Officer in the
covering a large geographical region which is sparsely populat- Department of Health. The role is essentially an adviser to
ed. Their answer was to have two PROs, one covering the East England and she went on to describe the various divisions in
and one the West of the region. Sarah Fitzgerald (Regional the Department of Health. There are three therapy officers -
Steward, Trent Region) talked about better communication by occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech/language -
having district stewards throughout the region. Tina Chapman and their main role is to provide professional advice to the
(Chairman, Scottish Central Region) told us about the suc- Department. Mrs Richards can be contacted at: Room 338.
cessful formation of three flourishing sub-groups within the Department of Health. Wellington House. 133-155 Waterloo
region during the past 2 years. And Rosemary Gregory Road. London SE1 8UG.
(Chairman, South West Thames Region) told us about poor Sally Hale,
attendance at sub-groupmeetings and how she had circulated Secretary, SW Thames Regional Group.

314 BritiSh Joumal of Occupational Therapy, August 1992, 55(8)

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