What does your job entail?
I am an Occupational Therapist working in a regional capacity within the Allied Health Professional Hand Therapy and Plastic Surgery Department. This hub is located at the Ulster Hospital, and I support the Western Trust on a regional basis by providing outpatient hand therapy for patients who have received initial treatment at the Ulster Hospital, but are based nearer to home at Altnagelvin Hospital. My referrals are received from Plastic Surgery Consultants, our Therapist-Led Clinic, and the Core Therapy Team, all based at the Ulster Hospital.
I work with patients of all ages who have various hand conditions or have had hand surgery. This includes things like broken bones, repairs to tendons, nerve injuries, finger amputations, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, complex pain syndromes, and planned surgeries. My goal is to help patients recover more quickly after a hand injury or hand operation. I carry out assessments and treatments such as checking how much the hand can move and grip strength, caring for wounds, creating customised splints, managing scars, using ultrasound, giving advice on what to do and avoid, and supporting a safe return to work or hobbies. I also offer guidance on ergonomics and coping strategies, personalised exercises to regain strength and function, and techniques to help retrain sensation in the hand.
Certain patients require weekly interventions due to wounds necessitating regular dressing changes or tendon repairs that involve specific exercises. Others will attend appointments on a fortnightly or monthly basis, depending on their individual needs.
Although I am the only Plastics Occupational Therapist specialising in Hand Therapy within the Western Trust, I am based in a hub that also hosts teams specialising in Trauma and Orthopaedic Hand Therapy and Rheumatology. These teams deliver similar treatments to those I provide, but for different hand conditions. Additionally, the Trauma and Orthopaedic team organise a weekly wrist group for suitable patients who have sustained a wrist fracture. This group is supported by a Band 6 Occupational Therapist and an Occupational Therapy assistant.
The main aim is to support in utilising their upper limbs more effectively to facilitate everyday activities and to support their return to previous routines, whether related to work or hobbies. I communicate with a multidisciplinary team at the Ulster Hospital, including consultants, surgeons, doctors, nurses, and clinical psychologists across the fields of plastic surgery. Additionally, I refer patients to other services when I believe input from additional specialists is required.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have always been interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, though I was initially uncertain about which specific area to specialise in. I had the opportunity to spend some time with my cousin, who is an Occupational Therapist working in a stroke unit. This experience highlighted the diverse range of specialities within healthcare and introduced me to the concept of rotational positions, which offer valuable exposure to various fields of practice.
Outline your career to date
I commenced my career as a Band 5 Occupational Therapist with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, rotating every six months through general medicine, day hospital, hand therapy (both elective and trauma cases), stroke rehabilitation, and paediatrics. Subsequently, I secured a permanent Band 6 position specialising in Hand Therapy within Cardiff, covering both elective and trauma services.
I completed a one-year Band 7 secondment in Hand Therapy at Cwm Taff Trust in Wales, supporting maternity cover. Additionally, I undertook a two-year part-time secondment with Cardiff University as an Associate Occupational Therapy Lecturer, delivering teaching on both undergraduate and MSc courses while continuing my clinical practice within the NHS in Hand Therapy.
Furthermore, I work privately for The OT Practice, providing Hand Therapy assessments and treatments both remotely and in-person.
Tell us about your qualifications and training?
I completed my training at the University of Exeter in 2005, undertaking a three-year Occupational Therapy degree course. During our first year, our anatomy lectures were combined with those of Physiotherapy and Radiography. I undertook three placements, lasting 6, 8, and 12 weeks, across a range of physical and mental health settings.
While working as a Band 6 Occupational Therapist specialising in Hand Therapy, I self-funded my MSc in Hand Therapy through the University of Derby. This was a three-year online programme. Additionally, I obtained my accredited Hand Therapy qualification through the British Association of Hand Therapists, which I was able to complete alongside my MSc.
The accredited Hand Therapist qualification requires renewal every five years, which involves providing an extended CV demonstrating continued contribution to hand therapy services. This process closely aligns with showing ongoing professional development in accordance with HCPC guidelines.
What personal and professional qualities are required for the job?
I believe it’s important to have a genuine desire to help others improve. Being a good listener and knowing how to ask questions are key to understanding what a patient is going through and what matters most to them in their recovery. You also need to be passionate about your work and willing to advocate for your patient’s needs, working closely with other healthcare services or doctors and highlighting concerns if they arise
A little bit about me
I enjoy running, yoga, hiking and going to the gym. I also love my holidays. I believe maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important.
What advise would you give to your 16 yr old self
Pursue what makes you happy and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure.