‘Seeing patients recovering in their own home is what’s so special about being a community OT’: Melissa’s story

Before joining the team at CLCH Melissa worked as a carer where she fostered an interest in helping people recover at home. Since joining CLCH she has progressed from Assistant Occupational Therapist to Case Manager Occupational Therapist (OT), leading her team in Barnet, delivering urgent care to patients in their own home. This World Occupational Therapy Day she shares what is so special about working in the community.

‘What drew me to CLCH was the team - being an Occupational Therapist within rapid response is so important and often lifesaving. It was also about the teams we work with. Our nurses are amazing - busy and skilled but humble - we’ve come learn so much from them as we work together to deliver care plans for patients that can support them to enjoy regular daily activities at home. We come across a variety of conditions in our role which pose challenges but jointly within our integrated teams we find solutions to support our patients to live safely at home, together.

‘Occupational therapy in the community allows you to work with the patient to see what works for them and how our interventions can fit into their daily lives. Being in familiar surroundings really makes a difference for a patient's recovery. We also look at holistic treatment providing a plan to not only support their physical health but their mental wellbeing, discussing plans with their families and setting up connections with social care and relevant charities.’

‘Seeing patients recovering in their own home is what is so special about being a community OT. It often feels like we’re getting the reward that staff in other areas of the NHS don’t often get to enjoy - we get to see the effects of our work in the patient's home environment – a glimpse into how we’ve strengthened their long term health.'