Our Managing Director, Mike Hamilton, was honoured to speak at the Health Care Support Workers Conference hosted by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board today.

Mike introduced more than 100 delegates to the innovative world of RITA, highlighting the significant value it brings to staff delivering meaningful, person-centred care. He emphasised the importance of understanding the purpose and practical application of RITA—focusing on the WHY and the HOW rather than simply the WHAT. Mike explained that staff should look beyond what RITA is, and instead consider why it was developed, why it is essential for supporting individuals with complex needs, and how it can be most effectively implemented.

There is often a misconception that RITA is just ‘RITA TV’—a system for playing movies or a device used exclusively by activity coordinators. In reality, RITA is a highly impactful, person-centred, non-pharmacological therapy that continues to deliver significant outcomes. These include reductions in falls, decreased demand for one-to-one supervision, shorter lengths of stay, and—most importantly—a marked reduction in the use of pharmacological interventions.

Mike reinforced that high-quality healthcare should not focus solely on physical interventions. Mental and cognitive health are equally crucial and deserve the same attention. Mental and cognitive wellbeing significantly influence physical health and recovery; when overlooked, they can lead to negative and costly outcomes such as falls, expensive care packages, and extended hospital stays.