Occupational therapy
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.
There is an occupational therapy department at each of the hospitals in Northumberland. The occupational therapy teams work with people of all ages who are in hospital and who are having difficulties carrying out everyday activities. The occupational therapists work to help patients carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. We aim to enable people to achieve as much as they can for themselves so that they can get the most out of life.
Who is eligble?
Patients in hospital who, through illness, disability or ageing have been prevented from doing the things that they want or need to do may be helped by an occupational therapist.
You may be referred onto the service by any member of the ward team. Please speak to your named nurse or doctor if you have been experiencing difficulties carrying out your everyday activities.
Please note: This service is for people who are currently in hospital. If you think that you would benefit from receiving occupational therapy in the community please contact your GP or your district nurse who will be able to provide you with more information.
What will happen
The occupational therapist can work in a variety of ways in order to help you be as independent as possible in your everyday activities. They will try and offer you solutions and advice which may include organising equipment or teaching you techniques to make things easier. Everyday activities that the occupational therapists may help you with include task such as washing, dressing and going to the toilet, but they also include activities that are specifically meaningful to you as an individual.
Occupational therapists can carry out a number of assessments to determine what help and support you may need. These assessments are not 'tests' but are rather an opportunity for the occupational therapists to see what support you may need once you return home. These include:
Transfer assessment
- A transfer assessment is carried out to ensure that you are able to get on and off your bed, toilet and chair. If this is difficult, equipment can often be provided or techniques demonstrated to make it easier.
Kitchen assessment
- A kitchen assessment is carried out to make sure that you are able to manage preparing meals or snacks and to see if you might need further assistance when you go home.
Home visit
- A home visit is sometimes needed to ensure that you are able to manage in your own home. Some people worry that this is a 'test' but it is just an opportunity to see together whether you'll require further rehabilitation or equipment, or perhaps support to enable you to return home.
Contact details
If you have any questions about occupational therapy when you are in hospital please ask to see a therapist who will be happy to answer your questions. Alternatively you can contact the appropriate team at the following addresses:
Occupational therapy department
Wansbeck general hospital
Woodhorn Lane
Ashington
NE63 9JJ
Tel: 01670 564 014 (9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
Occupational therapy department
Morpeth Cottage Hospital
South Road
Morpeth
NE61 2BT
Tel: 01670 395627
Occupational therapy department
Blyth Community Hospital
Thoroton Street
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 1DX
Tel: 01670 396342
Occupational therapy department
Hexham General Hospital
Corbridge Road
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1QJ
Tel: 01434 655038
Occupational therapy department
Alnwick Infirmary
South Road
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 2NS
Tel: 01665 626700
Occupational therapy department
Berwick Infirmary
Infirmary Square
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland
TD15 1LT
Tel: 01289 356600
Useful leaflets
If you need to request a copy in large print, or in another format or language please call 01670 394522.
