Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

'Occupational Therapy enables people to engage in the daily activities and occupations which are relevant to their lives. Occupational Therapists use their skills to assess and identify an individual's abilities and areas of difficulty in occupational performance, which are impacting on independent functioning. As occupational engagement can be supported or restricted by the environment, intervention may also involve making adaptations or changes to a person's environment to enhance occupational participation'. (AOTI, 2007).

Clinical Specialties

The Occupational Therapy Department provides a comprehensive service to all the clinical specialties within the hospital. As a result we are able to provide an extensive range of development opportunities for all therapists.

For Basic Grade Occupational Therapists, we offer a rotational programme on a six monthly basis.

Current Rotations:

• General Rehabilitation
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Complex Continuing Care
• Adult Disability Unit
• Day Hospital

In addition, we provide extensive input into a multidisciplinary Seating Clinic and carry out Multi-Sensory treatment as appropriate.

Continuing Professional Development

We embrace a culture of learning and development and have excellent resources within our department.   A policy on Clinical Supervision is in place which ensures all staff are supported in achieving a Continuing Professional Development Plan (CPD).   We have a Senior Occupational Therapist in each clinical area providing expertise and supervision to basic grades and Occupatiaonal Therapy Assistants.   Strong links are in place with Trinity College Dublin, School of Occupational Therapy as a result of our Clinical Tutor Post.   We run a successful programme for training Occupational Therapy students during clinical placements.   The Occupational Therapy Department's In-Service Education Programme is well established and we also contribute to the training schedule for student doctors on placement from University College Dublin.

The Occupational Therapy Department is highly proactive and embraces multidisciplinary working.   We use a holistic approach to providing the highest quality of care for all our patients.

If you require any further information please contact Heather Walsh, Occupational Therapy Manager on 01-4066617 or email hwalsh@rhd.ie