Hi I'm Lynsay. I have 4 jobs within CNTW and bring my OT skills to all of them! They also allow me to develop skills across the 4 Pillars of Practice. I work full time and as I’m sure is the same with all of you I am kept very busy! 

Clinical practice

I am an Advanced Occupational Therapist and work clinically in the Neuro Rehab Outpatients Department at Walkergate Park for two days a week.  

woman sat at desk smiling at the camera
Lynsay at her desk 

I specialise in spasticity management (when people have tight muscles). I provide assessment of their spasticity and how it impacts their daily life. I use outcome measures to determine if our intervention has been of benefit to them. 

I make bespoke splints from thermoplastic to help keep their hand and arm in a good position and to help with function. 

process of making a thermoplastic splint
Making a thermoplastic splint

I also work with a Hand and Plastics surgeon for people who have complex presentations of their hands and arms.  

Education and Learning 

As part of my clinical role I teach splinting at Northumbria University to Occupational Therapy students.  

I speak at conferences and provide teaching courses for health care professionals regionally and nationally on Spasticity Management.  

I also run workshops for patients and carers on understanding spasticity and how they can help to self-manage their condition. 

But I’m always learning too and try to use my CPD time to upskill or to understand and keep up with the evidence base of my interventions.  

woman smiling taking a selfie in a lecture theatre
Lynsay at Oxford University 

Research and Development 

Within my clinical role I undertake audits and service evaluations on a regular basis. Our department has all the posters from these on the wall so we can share with staff and patients. 

posters on a wall

I also help to co-ordinate any research projects that our department is involved in.  

For one day a week I’m the AHP Research and Development Lead for CNTW and run the AHP Forum and the Neuro and Specialist Services Forum. I lead the CNTW non-medical researcher development internships and provide support to AHPs across the Trust in how to make their idea a reality. I work with the Nurse Research & Development Lead to provide opportunities for learning in research with at least one event a year!

I have also lead on some projects that you might have been involved in – the AHP CPD Audit for the Trust and also the SORT – AHP’s understanding of what the Trust does to support Research and Development.  

Leadership 

I also work one day a week as the AHP Associate Director for Neurological and Specialist Services. In this role I have oversight of 95 AHPs working across approximately 35 services. I help to bring the AHP perspective to services, ensure that our voice is heard at a service, CBU and Group level. I am also Professional OT Lead for Neuro Services and link with the other OT Senior Leads in quarterly meetings. I am part of the AHP senior leadership team and work alongside Chief AHP Officer Julie Morrow.

Outside of work 

Out of work, we need occupational balance! 

I am a member of Rock Choir and love belting out my favourite tunes both at rehearsals and when we have big events! 

I have become obsessed with having my first greenhouse and have been growing lots of veg!

homegrown vegetables on a kitchen bench
Lynsay's homegrown veg

I love being by the beach, in the UK and abroad, and just walking and listening to the sea! And taking lots and lots of photos! 

Have a great OT week!