Occupational Therapy Week comes to Medway!

Date: 09 November 2018

OT week for web

A team of occupational therapists from Medway NHS Foundation Trust have been getting out and about to raise the profile of their profession which supports people to ‘live life their way’ despite any health or care needs they may be living with.

The event is as part of this year’s Occupational Therapy Week, organised by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). Taking place from 5 to 11 November, the theme of the awareness week this year is 'Securing the future of occupational therapy'.

Staff based at Medway Maritime Hospital got involved in doing just that, touring the wards with a decorated kitchen trolley to raise awareness of Occupational Therapy among staff and patients. Back in the department, Occupational Therapists (OTs) made pledges on an 'OT Tree' to commit to securing the future of role.  

Described as the health and care system’s 'secret weapon', OTs are the only registered profession qualified to work across both mental and physical health and in NHS and social care settings. This means that they are uniquely placed to see a whole person holistically. 

Research from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has shown that OTs working on the front line with ambulance services and in emergency departments can reduce unnecessary admissions by up to 80%, while those who spend time on acute medical wards can cut stays from 9.5 days to just one day.

Ellis Bowden, Occupational Therapist Team Lead for the Acute Frailty Unit at the Trust, said:

“We love taking part in Occupational Therapy Week and holding this awareness raising event at the hospital.

''The trolley challenge is an excellent way to promote the value of our service, which provides practical support to help people with recovery and overcome barriers which may prevent them from doing the activities that matter to them.

''Occupational Therapy support can make a real difference - giving people a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about the future.” 

To find out more about the event, email Jenny.holliday@nhs.net

To find out more about occupational therapy and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists email MediaOfficer@RCOT.co.uk or call 020 74505229.

  • Summary:

    A team of occupational therapists from Medway NHS Foundation Trust have been getting out and about to raise the profile of their profession this Occupational Therapy Week.