“I have worked as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for 32 years, initially starting in spinal injuries, learning disabilities and surgical and medical care.
It wasn’t long before I decided I wanted to work with children. I then started at Prudhoe Hospital, now Ferndene, which has been the main base for the majority of my working life. I’ve taken on various leadership roles and projects over the last three decades, including managing occupational therapy services at Northgate, becoming a team leader at Ferndene and other clinical project responsibilities.
I’m passionate about the involvement and engagement of young people in their care and service delivery. I’ve supported many groups of young people have their say in inpatient services, both within the Trust and nationally. Recently I’ve became a course leader for the ‘Foundational Skills in Children and Young People’s Accredited Course’. The development of this course has been an exciting opportunity for staff to develop their skills in Children and Young People’s Services.
The best thing about being an OT is the diversity of the role, which allows using creativity to help aid someone’s development or recovery. Occupational Therapy uses graded and holistic activities that are meaningful and purposeful. It focuses on self-care, daily activities and leisure needs.
I would recommend anyone looking to start a new career to consider Occupational Therapy as it provides a direction of personal development, offers exciting ventures, gives a range of opportunities of places to work and puts you in contact with an amazing population of patients, carers and colleagues.”