On Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Day, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (the Partnership) is proud to celebrate the expertise, compassion and dedication of AHPs working across health and social care services throughout the city.
Every day, AHPs help people improve their health and wellbeing, regain independence and live fulfilling lives in their own homes and communities. Their work spans prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, admission avoidance, hospital discharge, long-term condition management and palliative care, supporting people at home.
Within the Partnership, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Mental Health professionals, Orthotists, Prosthetists and rehabilitation support workers play a vital role in delivering person-centred care.
The scale of this contribution is significant. During a single week in May 2026, Community Rehabilitation teams worked with 1,301 people across Edinburgh. During the same period, Primary Care Physiotherapy services delivered 1,481 interventions, helping people access timely support, treatment and rehabilitation close to home.
While these figures demonstrate the reach of AHP services, the experiences of patients tell the story behind the numbers:
Patients described how AHP support helped them regain confidence, independence and hope following illness, injury or a hospital stay.
People particularly valued the opportunity to set goals that were meaningful to them. Success was not measured solely by clinical outcomes, but by returning to the activities and roles that make life fulfilling. Patients spoke about being able to walk their dog again, prepare meals independently, use stairs to return to an upstairs bedroom, attend church, drive, reconnect with hobbies and spend more time with family and friends.
Patients also highlighted the positive impact of supportive and encouraging staff. Therapists were frequently described as kind, compassionate, respectful and motivating. Importantly, people appreciated being encouraged to take an active role in their own recovery, building confidence and independence while knowing support was there when needed.
The strongest message from patient feedback is that AHPs help people regain confidence, independence and meaningful participation in everyday life. Their work has a positive impact not only on physical health, but also on emotional wellbeing, social connection and quality of life.
Thank you to all Allied Health Professionals working across Edinburgh for their expertise, compassion and commitment.