There are 14 different disciplines in the AHP family and Oxford Health has eight of them embedded in its mental and community health settings across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. 

These include podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, paramedics, physiotherapists, art therapists, music therapists and speech and language therapists. 

And this year, for national Allied Health Profession (AHP) Day, the focus is on celebrating the next generation of people training to join the second largest UK healthcare workforce and the life-changing impacts they will have on patient care and health in their careers. 

Claire McColl, 29, is studying MSc Dietetics at Birmingham City University. She explains: “I am currently on finial placement with Oxford Health and I have found the team to be extremely supportive and encouraging me to develop as a future Dietitian.  

“This final NHS placement has been my favourite part of the course. I have been given many opportunities to work alongside other valued AHPs and I have found their knowledge instrumental in my own dietetic work.   

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of this placement and working as a part of the MDT.  Presenting my own work on refeeding in the community was a great experience and really facilitated wider conversations on the topic. The work I have done practicing independently as a student dietitian has been greatly appreciated by the team and the patients.   

“Their recognition has really helped to boost my confidence.  It feels very rewarding to see all my studies came together to become a member of the AHP team. 

“My placement has been so enjoyable that I will continue to work for the trust post-graduation. I felt very inspired by how the Dietetic team has remained so connected through what has been a challenging time with supportive catch ups I have never felt alone when working from home. 

“I am delighted to help celebrate AHP day as I am very proud to be a member of the third largest workforce in the NHS.” 

This year Oxford Health has given placements to 243 student AHPs – up 58% on the previous year.

If you want to find out more about opportunities in the Allied Health Professions, take a look at this page.