What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapists work with individuals who are experiencing functional difficulties (physical, cognitive, psychological) as a result of acute illness/ injury, chronic conditions, or ageing.
The aim of Occupational Therapy input is to enable those who have a change of function on a temporary or permanent basis to be as independent as possible, whilst ensuring their care needs are met, and quality of life is maintained.
Service Delivery
We provide an in-patient and out-patient service that is based on high standards of care. Our department provides Occupational Therapy services to Naas General Hospital patients living in the Kildare/West Wicklow area and consists of:
- Occupational Therapist Manager
- Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapists
- Senior Occupational Therapists
- Staff Grade Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Therapy Assistants
- Clerical support
They provide a service to:
- Acute General Medicine and Surgical Wards
- Stroke and Neurology service
- Age Related Day Hospital
- Frailty Intervention Team (FIT) in the Emergency Department
- Consultant Geriatricians Out patients
- Stroke Out patients
- Rheumatology Out patients
Acute General Medicine & Surgical Wards
The General Medicine Occupational Therapy service addresses the acute rehabilitation needs of the general medical, surgical and frail elderly in-patients and works with these patients to set rehabilitation goals and treatment outcomes. The Occupational Therapists assess a patient’s functional abilities, cognitive abilities where appropriate, and collaborate with the wider MDT team to develop a comprehensive discharge plan home or to another care setting. This may include recommendations for adaptive equipment, seating needs, and onward community referrals. Additionally, OTs provide education and training to patients and caregivers on safe practices and strategies to manage daily activities to facilitate a safe discharge.
Stroke and Neurology Service
The inpatient Stroke and Neurology Occupational Therapy Service specialises in providing comprehensive rehabilitation for patients with a confirmed stroke and those with specific neurological diagnoses (e.g. TBI, GBM, and confirmed functional neurological disorder). The Occupational Therapy staff are trained to support patients in regaining independence and enhancing their quality of life. We focus on individualised therapy plans that address cognitive, physical, and daily living skills. Additionally, we play a vital role in discharge planning and coordinating referrals for further rehabilitation services.
Age Related Day Hospital
The Age-Related Day Hospital (ARDH) provides a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of the older persons living in the community. The ARDH helps to prevent admissions to hospital and enables the person to remain at home for as long as possible. Occupational Therapists work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in the ARDH. Their aim is to assist each person to reach their maximum level of independence and enhance their safety in carrying out their everyday tasks.
Frailty Intervention Team in the Emergency Department
The Frailty Intervention Team (FIT) is a Multidisciplinary Team of Physiotherapists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapist and a Therapy Assistant who are all based in the Emergency Department.
FIT’s main aim is to screen all patients for frailty over the age of 75 in the Emergency Department and facilitate direct access to a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and treatment at the front door and is designed to improve clinical outcomes by decreasing length of stay and increasing discharges home. FIT aim to improve quality and efficiency of care for the frail older person in the Emergency Department. Where appropriate FIT commence and complete the common screening tool & HSCP intervention within the Emergency Department facilitating direct discharge to home.
Consultant Geriatricians Out Patients
The Occupational Therapist working in the Geriatric OPD Department received referrals directly from the Consultant Geriatricians in Naas General Hospital. The majority of referrals received from these clinics are for an assessment of the patient’s cognitive ability and any concerns that family/carers may have around the patient’s safety and ability to complete their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) at home.
The OT will carry out a comprehensive initial assessment to:
- Assess the patient’s ability to manage everyday tasks such as washing and dressing themselves, getting in and out of a chair, bath or bed, and carrying out kitchen tasks.
- The OT will assess the requirements for aids and appliances to increase safety at home.
- The OT will carry out memory / perceptual assessments if required.
- The OT will conduct driving assessments as required.
- All assessments are based on each patient’s individual needs.
Stroke Out Patients
The OT working in Out-patients receives referrals directly from the Consultants working in Stroke care in Naas General Hospital and from the ANP in Stroke. The majority of referrals received are for assessment of the patient’s cognitive ability and ability to return to driving post-stroke.
Rheumatology Outpatient Service
Rheumatology Occupational Therapy staff deliver Occupational Therapy services to clients attending rheumatology clinics at Naas General & Tallaght University hospitals. The aim of rheumatology Occupational Therapy is to improve a clients’ ability to perform daily occupations, i.e. activities and valued life roles at work, in the home and with the family, at leisure and socially. Intervention can include activity adaptation, joint protection, fatigue management, hand therapy and vocational rehabilitation. We accept referrals from all MDT members for those attending a rheumatology clinic in Naas General or Tallaght University hospitals.
Useful Links
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Mon-Fri8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.