The Glasgow Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (GADRS) inpatient Occupational Therapy (OT) team has been recognised with a UK-wide AHP Quality Improvement TREE Award for its innovative service development project, “Enhancing Occupational Therapy Access and Impact Through Early Admission Screening in ADRS Inpatient Services.”
The team received the award in the ‘Everyone’ category, recognising projects that involve patients, staff and other stakeholders in co-producing sustainable improvements. The awards attracted 137 nominations from healthcare boards across the UK, with 20 Quality Improvement (QI) Connectors involved in judging.
Historically, OT input within GADRS inpatient wards was referral-led, resulting in delayed and inconsistent access. The project introduced a proactive OT-led screening model to identify occupational needs earlier and improve equitable access to intervention.
Between September 2025 and March 2026, 94% of admissions were screened, identifying OT needs in 206 patients. Access to OT intervention increased from a baseline of 13% to 54% of admissions. OT involvement also contributed to discharge planning for 24% of patients receiving intervention.
The award was presented at an online ceremony in summer. Occupational Therapists Emma Waine and Andy Pride accepted the award and presented the project alongside other category winners, celebrating the team’s contribution to improving patient-centred care.
