The Occupational Therapy Service to showcase its new ‘Deborah Harrison Moving & Handling Training’ at OT Show

At the 2026 OT Show, The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), will be showcasing its new Moving and Handling Training under the leadership of Deborah Harrison FRCOT (Hon) – widely recognised as the UK’s foremost expert in optimal-handed care.

(The Occupational Therapy Show, stand D22, NEC, 25–26 November)

TOTS is one of the UK’s leading independent occupational therapy practices offering a wide range of clinical and commercial services. The provision of moving and handling training is a new competency which will be delivered with the same respected values. Led by expert Deborah Harrison, this new service represents a ‘game changing’ training proposition for all healthcare professionals involved in moving and handling people within health, care, education and the workplace.

For more than 25 years, Deborah has been shaping the future of moving and handling across health and social care. A registered nurse by background, she has worked across acute hospitals, community services, local authorities and the independent care sector before becoming one of the country’s most influential educators, researchers and innovators in the field. On stand D22 at The OT Show, Deborah will be available to explore all training requirements and offer ‘express’ CPD sessions:

The History of Hoisting Fatalities and the MHRA Alert 2026: What lessons can we learn? 

Deborah Harrison, HonFRCOT, TOTS Moving & Handling Lead

Stand D22

Wednesday 25th November, 12:00 – 12:15 plus Q&A
Thursday 26th November, 13:15 – 13:30 plus Q&A

Synopsis

Are you a commissioner, lead or principle occupational therapist, hoist prescriber or train others in Moving and Handling? If so, then this session is for you! It will explore the implications of the MHRA alert whilst enabling you to understand the actions you need to take. 

Learning objectives

• Explore the history of hoisting fatalities 
• Invite you to consider the key themes across the decades
• Understand how these fatalities can be avoided 
• Identify your next steps required when implementing the MHRA 2026 alert

Deborah will also be speaking at other sessions during the show:

How to implement optimal-handed care at scale using the LGA High Impact Change Model Maturity Complex

25th November, 11:00– 11:45

Theatre 2.

An evidence-based risk assessment tool to minimise risk when implementing optimal-handed care

25th November, 13:15– 14:00

Theatre 2.

If you are looking for bespoke training or scheduled CPD from TOTS, arrange to talk about your requirements to Deborah at The OT Show – book a slot by emailing: admin@theOTservice.co.uk