Occupational therapists (OTs) are a valuable part of the health workforce. Occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks if you're having difficulties.
On World Occupational Therapy Day 2024, which takes place on 27 October, we celebrate the fantastic profession and why our OTs love what they do. This year was an extra special celebration when Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited our wonderful OTs.
Kathryn Murphy, Occupational Therapy Clinical & Practice Development Educator, told us what inspired her to go into the role.
She said:
“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to work in health. I have a kind, caring nature naturally, I want to help people and want to make a difference with people's lives.
“My grandad unfortunately became ill when I was 15 his last wishes were to be at home, he didn’t want to die in the hospital. An OT had to come and make sure care was in place, to do joint up care with my granny and put some equipment in place to help him meet his last few wishes.
“That is what opened the door to OT for me. I thought what they have just done for him is what I want to do every day and make a difference.
“It’s the most rewarding job. What we do every day is not the same and every day is a school day. We work in so many different settings with people from birth right up until death. The scope of what you can do is endless.”
Cate Stephenson, Occupational therapy Apprentice, Keswick and Solway ICC, used a beautiful analogy to explain occupational therapy. She said: “If you imagine your life is like a flow of water, and occasionally along the way there will be things that get in the way and stop the flow.
“We come in and help find a way to move over it or around it to allow the flow to continue.”
The theme of the day this year is ‘Occupational Therapy for All’ and at NCIC we have OTs in our hospitals and also in the community, visiting people in their own homes.
Vicky and Kiran both work in the community and shared what they love about being an OT.
Vicky Murray, Occupational Therapist, Copeland Integrated Care Community (ICC), said: “I love the variety of the job. I love that I'm helping people get back to what's important in their own life, which is why I particularly like working in the community.”
Kiran Kadu, Occupational Therapist, Integrated Care Service, said: “My favourite thing about being an OT is being able to make a difference in somebody's life and that is really rewarding. I also like that it offers that flexibility, and I have a good work life balance. I love working in the community and especially when you get a nice sunny day, the views in Cumbria are amazing.”