26 October 2009

Hunter New England Health is using Occupational Therapy Awareness Week (25-31 October 2009) to celebrate the work of the hundreds of occupational therapists who provide care on behalf the health service. The theme for this year is ‘Live Life to the Full’ which encapsulates the essence of Occupational Therapy practice.

An occupational therapist focuses on developing and maintaining people’s skills to carry out their everyday occupations such as work, school, self care, leisure and play.

Within Hunter New England Health, OT’s work in the hospital and community settings to assess and treat people for a diverse range of illness and injuries.

“After an illness or injury, occupational therapy can help people regain the skills they need as part of their daily life, which plays a major role in helping everyday people do every day things,” Angela Towns, Acting Service Senior Occupational Therapist Lower Hunter said.

“Occupational therapists work with people from all age groups – from infants to the aged, in a variety of settings, including hospitals, the community and specialised facilities,” Ms Towns said.

OT’s working in the hospital setting are available to assess and treat people who have had major health events such as a stroke, trauma, joint replacements, heart conditions, spinal cord injuries, cancer, back and hand injuries.

“They can help improve the management of their condition on a day-to-day basis – such as learning to dress themselves, prepare simple meals, falls education, cognitive retraining, fatigue management or work simplification – in order to ensure a safe discharge from hospital back to their home,” she said.

An OT working in the community health setting can help a person who is having difficulty with day to day tasks such as showering, dressing, toileting, managing steps, shopping and engaging in leisure activities. OT’s work with people and their carers who have problems such as mental health issues, brain injuries, spinal injury, arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, falls, cancer and respiratory difficulties. 

“Hunter New England Health occupational therapists also work with children and young people experiencing difficulties such as poor co-ordination, learning problems, delayed development, autism, psychological problems and advice on equipment,” she said.

“Our OT’s are also working in the field of mental health to assist clients to regain their independence in the community, as well as providing a range of interventions to help with their journey through to recovery.”

Ms Towns said that occupational therapists assist patients to master practical skills and engage in activities, which is a powerful tool to helping them achieve greater self esteem and an ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216