Mark Barwick, occupational therapy support worker, shares his CUH story about being part of the occupational therapy (OT) team.
I support a number of teams within the occupational therapy (OT) team, which each provide their own challenges. I think it's those different challenges that keep you fresh and alert, one minute I am checking the food in one of our patient assessment kitchens, the next I am up to clinic 30 - where amongst other things, we have an equipment store issuing a commode or other equipment when a patient is about to be discharged.
At 07:30, I clean the two patient assessment kitchens and ensure that food substances are in date and ready for the day - if not I have to go to the patient kitchen store on level 1 to restock. After that I check the BCA and resus kit, completing daily checks in both ward F2 and Clinic 30.
I will then check mine and the team's emails and change my plans if needed. First, a coffee! Then up to clinic 30 (hand clinic) and check their laundry, ensuring that the clinic has enough towels to last the day. At any time during the day I may be asked to issue some equipment for a patient discharge.
Following the morning checks and preparations, most of my day is reactive, but I still have planned equipment deliveries every week, the driver is wonderful and provides a lot of support for me as do my colleagues who are based around the ATC, we have a laugh and a joke and the sarcasm is generally quite high!
At 15:30 I am preparing to go home, but often you may get a late request for equipment (you know who you are!) it may put you home later but you get on with it.
I have chronic pain from my neck to the tip of my toes which can affect my job. I also have respiratory problems and at any time, either one or both of my knees will give way causing me to fall down and that hurts.
Despite the many challenges of chronic pain, I can definitely do my job well.
The reason I can do my job very well is because I get a lot of support, my needs are regularly assessed and I get a lot of support. My managers trust me with the fact I know how I feel better than anyone.
I have spent 15 years in the NHS, and at times been in very dark places, with no support at all. But, every now and then a beacon appears and I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
But that's the joys of balancing an existing chronic health condition and full time work.