Allied health professionals (AHP’s) form a vital part of the NHS and care provision in Dorset. Our teams work in an integrated way to ensure that patient care is of the highest level. Allied health professionals include: art/drama/music therapists, chiropodists/podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, osteopaths, prosthetists and orthotists, paramedics, physiotherapists, diagnostic radiographers, therapeutic radiographers and speech and language therapists.

AHP’s provide system-wide care to assess, treat, diagnose and discharge patients across social care, housing, education, independent and voluntary sectors as well as all aspects of the NHS.

Through adopting a holistic approach to health and care, AHP’s are able to help manage patients’ care throughout the life course from birth to palliative care. Their focus is on prevention and improvement of health and wellbeing to maximise the potential for individuals to live full and active lives within their family circle, social networks, education/training and the workplace.

AHP’s are employed by the NHS providers (Dorset County Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset and Dorset HealthCare) the local authorities (Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council) as well as within the universities (Bournemouth University and AECC University College both of which provide AHP pre-registration training for some professions). In addition AHP’s are employed within charitable organisations and the private sector.