A TEAM of NHS occupational health experts have launched a new private support service focused on keeping people fit, living independently and out of hospital.

You Matter Occupational Health is a venture created by Alana Macpherson, Natasha Walker, Catrin Jones, Jennifer Davies and Tracy Mercer. All of them work in occupational health within the NHS. The service will initially be available across Rhyl, Prestatyn, Rhos on Sea and Colwyn Bay with expansion planned over time. 

They are all local occupational therapists who have worked within the NHS in North Wales. Now they hope to use their expertise to help ease the pressure on hospitals in Denbighshire and Conwy.

"The NHS does an amazing job and the therapists and medical professionals within it are wonderful," said Jennifer. "But the system is underfunded and under pressure. We felt that as occupational therapists we were being discharge focused rather than patient goal focused. 

"Prioritising patient discharge is a short-term measure - it doesn't stop people having more problems in future and returning to the NHS with more complex and costly health challenges."

Occupational therapy uses a range of techniques to help people live independently. By keeping patients' brains and bodies active, they can help people age more healthily and live independently for longer. 

Critically, early intervention occupational therapy can even prevent the kind of physical deterioration associate with ageing and age-related conditions, preventing or delaying when patients require hospital treatment.

"Our mission is to empower older adults to stay in the homes they love," said Alana, "Many people want to remain in familiar surroundings, but they need support with mobility, adapting their living spaces, and managing everyday tasks. We’re here to provide that guidance."

"We are focused on prevention rather than cure," added Jennifer. "We can help patients already in hospital return home quicker by providing the occupational therapy requirements of a care plan, but our main aim is to help keep people out of hospital."

You Matter is a private provider which is regulated by the Health Care Professions Council.

"We recognise private services are not accessible to everyone, but we have plans to offer free local workshops for community groups so that more people can benefit from our skills and experience," said Jennifer. "We have amazing colleagues working locally as part of the NHS or social services teams but recognise that increasing pressure on these services can mean waiting lists.

"You Matter provides a private option for those who do not wish to wait, or want a more bespoke service than that which statutory services can sometimes provide."

You Matter is keen to hear from community organisations that may benefit from free workshops at hello@youmatteroccupationaltherapy.co.uk, calling 07354 459511 or by visiting www.youmatteroccupationaltherapy.co.uk.

With their focus on prevention however, when should people introduce You Matter to their loved ones?

"It differs from person to person," said Jennifer. "But typically if you notice a loved one slowing down, getting ill more often, perhaps becoming more forgetful or seeming more frail than they used to be then that's the time for a consultation."

"Activity is at the heart of what we do,"said Natasha. "Whether managing to get washed and dressed without help, continuing with a hobby like gardening or meeting friends for coffee. Everything we do focuses on a patients' exercise, balance and strength."

“Every person is different, and so is every home," added Tracy. "We spend time getting to know each client’s unique needs and tailor our services accordingly. Our goal is to help them live with dignity and independence while giving families peace of mind."