Case studies

My job is so lovely! I get to be creative and adaptive within my assessment and intervention processes to ensure I am moulding my therapy to meet each individual child’s needs. 

Occupational Therapy is based on evidence based practice so everything we do is evidence based but also client centred too.  It’s so rewarding helping others in such a fun and meaningful way, because you need to be innovative. 

I was not aware of the Occupational Therapy (OT) profession, and many people aren’t. The first time I ever heard about OT was from my Mum, who also works for the NHS. I can still remember her words to this day when she told me “Look into OT, I think you’d be a fantastic OT”… 8 years later here I am!

Any future aspirations?

I aim to support to growth of the team here at the Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) by taking on any training and development opportunities I am offered. I would like to diversify my professional skill set to enable me to provide a more holistic approach.

As a result of COVID-19 we are seeing the impact of disrupted education on children gross motor abilities and also sensory needs coming back to school after almost a year in lockdown. 

Within my team we aspire to support children to overcome these barriers, on top of their other additional needs such as illness, disability or injury.

What do you love about your job?

Helping people to do what matters the most to them and their families. Working with children is so fun and they never fail to make me smile each day which makes the job ever so enjoyable. I look forward to coming to work every day. 

No day is ever the same. You are constantly learning and challenging yourself to continue developing professional, personal and clinical skills as well as having a positive impact on children and families lives. 

Getting paid to sing and dance most days isn’t so bad?

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Being part of the GNCH’s ‘Sensational thinking Project’ where the team has managed to provide tailored support to children and their families within the North East. 

The project came round after our team experiences a significant amount of referrals for children experiencing barriers due to their own sensory processing differences, which was a service no one was offering support for. 

The team identified this need and since then have provided detailed assessment with tailored advice as well and providing training packages to the parents to aid their understanding of why their child feels and behaves the way they do. It really has been life changing for some children and the team have received amazing feedback from people whom then team have helped. 

I have been fortunate enough to have been part of the assessment and intervention process within this project and it has been the most rewarding experience.

Any tips for finding a job that you love?

Really think about your own strengths and what motivates you. I always knew I wanted to work in an industry where you are able to help others and positively impact their lives as I have always been a caring ‘people person’ growing up.

Make use of the OT rotation and getting the most out of each and every placement. Our role is so diverse working with people from the very beginning of their lives until the end which is such a privilege. 

Find where you feel confident you will flourish and can use your best skill set.

Tell us about any unusual aspects of the job

One thing that is unusual and makes us more diverse from some other professions is that once you train as an OT you can work in, or specialise in, any area. You can work in (to name only a few) mental health, stroke rehab, acute medicine, based in a school or in a children’s therapy team. If you ever fancy a change, you can go anywhere!

Another wonderfully unusual factor is finding out what is meaningful and purposeful to each individual and helping them achieve their goals. 

Whether that is being able manage symptoms, stay active to enjoy spending valuable time with their grandchildren or helping a child with motor difficulties learn to ride a bike.

What are your usual working hours?

I generally work 8:00am to 4:00pm however I am flexible to meet my patients’ needs and may work later to attend meetings, training or even home visits. I always work Monday-Friday and I am not required to work weekends in the community team.

Some members in our team work term time so have all the school holidays off to travel or work around their families.

What training is needed for your job?

You will require 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Science and English. 

After GCSEs you will then require 3 A-Levels at grade C or above or an equivalent such as an NVQ level three in a relevant area such as health and social care. 

You are then required to complete study at university; this can be bachelor’s degree or masters.

Did you get any development support from the Trust?

Yes, absolutely! The Trust regularly provides training opportunities and encourages us to engage with external agencies to inform our continuous professional development (CPD). 

When I first started in the trust I was a rotational Band 5 OT where I would work in a different specialty each 6 months and was required to meet certain training criteria to ‘pass’ each rotation. This was to ensure that I had the required knowledge and skill set required to work within that speciality competently.

Why should someone come and work in your department?

The team are all so passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they do. It’s a fantastic place to work with so many highly skills individuals to learn from. 

It’s a very supportive environment, the whole team want to see you shine.