Occupational Therapists aim to promote a person’s health and wellbeing through their everyday activities. It is a way of enabling a person to achieve as much as they can for themselves and get the most out of life.

An Occupational Therapist can identify problem areas that a person may have in their everyday lives and will help them to work out practical solutions.

Daily tasks might include:

• getting on/off a bed, chair or toilet
• getting in/ out of the home
• washing/dressing and bathing
• domestic tasks such as cooking and housework
• work and leisure activities
• driving

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a science degree -based, health and social-care qualification and is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the same way as other health care professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists or speech and language therapists.

Occupational therapists are present on all wards at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. You may be seen by an Occupational Therapist whilst you are under the care of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital if:

• You are experiencing difficulties carrying out daily activities after surgery
• You were struggling at home before you came into hospital
• You are worried about how you will manage when you return home
• You require some rehabilitation following your surgery

An OT will look at the activities you are finding difficult and see if there is another way it can be completed safely.

An OT may suggest altering the environment to make it suitable for your needs.

OT’s can advise about special tools or pieces of equipment you may find helpful.

Your OT can give you advice regarding referrals to other services.