AHP Unplugged: Real Voices, Real Vision

Team Overview

The Allied Health Professions (AHP) team at the State Hospital) is a relatively small, compact but diverse group, encompassing Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Arts Therapies, Physiotherapy, and Speech & Language Therapy who have been on a purposeful journey to enhance team cohesion, effectiveness, communication, and wellbeing.

Commitment to regular Team development sessions have proved to be important in assisting with allowing the team time to reflect on their shared purpose (through shared purpose workshops), to enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration, promote reflective practice and peer-led innovation. Identifying shared values and behaviours has allowed the recognition that prioritising the health and wellbeing of the team is a crucial part to co-ordinated service delivery.

What We Do Well

The team consistently demonstrates a supportive culture, regularly checking in on each other’s wellbeing. This strong foundation of care and connection has been a springboard for further growth. Dedication to the change process and taking on new ways of working has been key in maximising service impact.

Development in Action

On 25 June 2025, the AHPs held their second development session of the year. This structured space allowed team members to step back from daily duties and reflect on their shared purpose and identify shared values. These shared values were then translated into observable communication behaviours. Through open dialogue, the team also refined their collective vision and aligned their objectives with the evolving needs of patients.

This session also served as a platform to embed key actions from their iMatter action plan:

• Improving Communication & Feedback
  Feed-back mechanisms are now being integrated into Hub meetings and supervision agendas. The team is actively scoping what “communication that matters” looks like for them, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
• Clarifying Role Remits
  Professional Leads are working to define their roles more clearly within the team. Peer support meetings for Band 5 and 6 staff are being explored to foster mentorship and shared learning.
• Prioritising Health & Wellbeing
  Monthly AHP lunches and the initiatives led by the “Wellbeing Warriors” continue to promote a culture of care. These informal gatherings and wellbeing champions help sustain morale and connection across disciplines.

Wellbeing Warriors 

The AHP “Wellbeing Warriors” launched a quality improvement initiative after recognising wellbeing as a key shared value. Although the initial project has concluded, ongoing efforts continue through regular check-ins, structured feedback within AHP frameworks, and the use of ‘appreciation cups’ to foster a culture of recognition and support.

Impact & Engagement

With an Employee Engagement Index score of 6.5, the team is actively working to build on their strengths and address areas for improvement. Their commitment to continuous development, mutual support, and innovation is laying the groundwork for more integrated, patient-centred care.

Staff have shared the benefits of the process

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, the team plans to explore more integrated patient pathways and expand peer mentoring along with continuing on the Team development journey.