Occupational Therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations (activities) they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement.
World Occupational Therapy Day
The World Federation of Occupational Therapists first launched Occupational Therapy Day on 27th October 2010. Each year it is celebrated on that date (or a date close to this) and the theme for this year is “Unity through Community”. The theme promotes our role in working together with others to facilitate participation and community interaction.
Occupational therapists support New Dunedin Hospital construction worker health and wellbeing
Five third-year Occupational Therapy students are completing their final placement working with Workforce Central Dunedin on a community project to help incorporate and enhance ways that support the health and wellbeing of construction workers onsite at the New Dunedin Hospital.
The occupational therapy team hosted a recent Toolbox Talk and have kick-started their project with a survey asking workers what their needs are in regard to connecting to the community, leisure time, etc. From there, the team will look at beneficial resources and make their recommendations.
Unconventional Occupational Therapy role essential for optimised patient flow
Rachel Wallace, the Discharge Planner at Southland Hospital, holds an unconventional yet essential Occupational Therapy role that draws upon her core Occupational Therapy skills.
Rachel works across the hospital as part of the Integrated Operations Centre to contribute to patient flow. Leveraging her excellent interprofessional communication and problem-solving skills, she works with Allied Health professionals, doctors, and nurses to ensure that everyone is aligned with a clear discharge plan, working toward a common goal. This often requires innovative thinking about services and funding, as well as effective liaisons with various parties.
Rachel’s role holds significant importance within the community. By facilitating timely and appropriate discharges, it frees up hospital beds for other patients who require the care that only a hospital can provide.
"I love my profession because it allows us to walk alongside patients in their journey toward achieving their goals. In my specific role, it's more about helping patients transition out of the hospital and back to where they want to live. I also love working as part of a wider team where we share a common goal and we are all essential ‘cogs’,” Rachel highlights.
The occupational therapy that enriches the lives of people with disabilities
Occupational Therapy is an excellent treatment option for individuals seeking personalised and practical assistance to lead functional lives.
Jessica Mulholland, Dunedin Community Occupational Therapist, works with people who have physical disability-related needs. Her job takes a compensatory and adaptive approach by changing the way someone does an activity, providing equipment, or adapting the environment through modification to enable a person to remain independent or supported to live within their environment.
“I see myself as an empathetic problem solver to people and their day-to-day activities,” Jessica shares.
"Not all environments are ideally suited for those with disability-related needs, but our service plays a crucial role in empowering people to enhance their ability to engage in everyday activities or return to ones they may have discontinued."
Jessica says her role is very whānau-centred and holistic, focusing on the wellbeing of everyone involved in the client’s care.
“I have learned in my role that you do not always understand a person and their story until you see how they are managing within their home environment. Each client and each day are different, which keeps my work exciting."
Thank you to all of our amazing Southern Occupational Therapists who work tirelessly to improve the wellbeing of our community. Your dedication and hard work are much appreciated!
