BCHC celebrates Occupational Therapy Week
This week, we are joining thousands across the country in celebrating Occupational Therapy Week.
Occupational Therapy is an extremely varied role, with recent data suggesting there are around 21,400 occupational therapists working in the NHS. Our colleagues help patients of all ages who have injuries, disabilities or illnesses to perform everyday activities such as dressing, cooking, driving or working.
By offering a patient-centred approach, occupational therapy gives structure, independence, and purpose to a patient's life. Our occupational therapists look at what matters most to our patients, whether its building up confidence to go back into the workplace following an illness, or being able to make themselves a cup of tea again.
This week, we'll be shining a spotlight on just a few of our occupational therapy colleagues who support people to maintain their independence, achieve their goals, and take part in the everyday activities that matter most to them.
Today we are looking at how our colleagues support patients reintegrate back into the workplace due to health-related absence. After a long period of time away from a workplace setting, it can be difficult to jump straight back into a 9-5 role again.
In a small office-like room at Moor Green Outpatient Brain Injury Service, our peers work with patients to simulate a real-life office environment. Activities can include giving patients written tasks, working with digital systems on a laptop or answering unexpected calls. All tasks have been carefully planned by our OTs as a way of building confidence to get back into a fast-pace working environment.
Pictured are Sarah Powell, Occupational Therapists with a patient in his 'office' setup whilst Occupational Therapy Apprentice Miah Abbott preps her patient for a mock call with a query she will action later on in the session.