Occupational Therapy

Our aim is to help you be as independent and safe as possible for your return home from hospital.

Occupational therapy staff work in partnership with patients, carers and other professionals to provide a flexible and rapid assessment of an individual's needs to enable safe discharge. Our emphasis is on maximising independence in essential activities of everyday living.

The occupational therapy process works as follows.

 

Referral

Inpatient occupational therapy: Via the doctor or nurse on their ward or through the ward-based member of occupational therapy.

Outpatient occupational therapy: Via their hospital consultant.

 

Assessment

We will assess your ability to manage your daily activities. We may do this by:

  • working with you and see you perform a number of tasks.
  • talking to you, a family member and/or your carer.
  • carrying out cognitive assessments, hand assessments or assessments of your home environment.

 

Treatment

We will then discuss with you ways to address the needs identified during your assessment. This may include:

  • teaching you new ways of doing tasks and providing any necessary aids or training.
  • referring you to other agencies / professionals.
  • advising you about modifying your home.
  • providing information and advice to enable you to be as independent as possible.

Services we work with occupational therapy

The Occupational Therapy team offers a wide range of services and often works as part of other services within the hospital.

Trauma, orthopaedics and rheumatology

  • Rehabilitation and treatment for patients with burns
  • Support for patients who have had hip, knee, shoulder or elbow replacements to manage at home through treatment and the right equipment
  • Provision of and advice on aids such as hand splints for people with arthritis.

Neuroscience and spinal

  • Support for patients with temporary or long term disabilities.
  • Help for people who are confused or unable to do everyday tasks.
  • Treatment and support for children with short or long term illnesses e.g. providing a brace for a fractured leg, helping plan a safe discharge home after major spinal surgery or rehabilitation following a stroke.

Health care of older persons

  • Help for people who are confused or unable to do everyday tasks.

Paediatric

  • Treatment and support for children with short or long term illnesses e.g. providing a brace for a fractured leg or helping plan a safe discharge home after major spinal surgery.

Stroke

  • Assessment and rehabilitation to ensure patients on the stroke unit become as independent as possible; help with safe discharges by arranging equipment and care.

Cancer

  • Patient-led service to surgery, oncology, haematology and palliative care.

Upper limb prosthetic service

  • Support, advice and training for patients who need an upper limb prosthesis.

Medicine

  • Assessment and support for patients with a variety of medical conditions after discharge.