Occupational Therapy Service
“Occupational Therapy is the treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions through specific activities in order to help people reach their maximum level of function and independence in all aspects of daily life” - World Federation of Occupational Therapy.
OT’s work with people with a wide range of conditions or illnesses, examples include people who have had a stroke, heart problems, breathing difficulties, arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, hip fractures or any other condition which affects a person’s level of independence. These may be short or long term conditions.
Occupational Therapists are concerned with facilitating improvements in the underlying conditions that may limit a person and in maximising the activity and participation in normal living which is still possible.
We work with people to assist them to regain or maintain independence to the level that is possible for them. This means identifying together the aims of treatment and either practicing tasks in manageable stages, learning a new method of doing it, or using a piece of equipment to make the task safer or easier. We work with and alongside carers to ensure that they understand the levels of independence possible and to advise on safe ways of helping.
Occupational Therapists have a critical role in leaving hospital care. If required, a home visit will confirm whether the time is right, whether any work needs to be done first (for instance a second banister rail) or that perhaps alternative accommodation needs to be found.
The onset of difficulties that limit a person is just not experienced in a hospital setting and whether already at home or not, the Occupational Therapist will support and advise the person and their carers through any decisions that have to be made.
Occupational Therapists are a valuable resource for agencies such as home care and housing because they can give accurate and specific advice and information about a person’s needs. The council requires an Occupational Therapist’s support before it will use public money to alter a house (council or private) on the grounds of disability.
We work in many different settings and work as part of different teams. In this locality both NHS and the Council employ us.
How do I arrange to see an Occupational Therapist?
If you are in hospital and there are concerns about your ability with daily living activities or being able to return home you will be referred by any member of the hospital team. Please ask your Consultant or nurse to refer you if you think this has not happened.
If you are living at home and you think an Occupational Therapist may be able to help you or someone you care for please contact the person on duty at the local Social Work office.
Referrals are prioritized according to need and urgent situations are always attended to promptly. Please give as much information as possible relating to all the current problems so that wise decisions can be made. There are always a high number of requests for help to negotiate the bath. If this is the only problem you will be asked to wash down rather than put yourself at risk since it is not possible usually to give this any priority on its own.
High priority is given to
The need to ensure safe discharge from hospital and safe rehabilitation afterwards.
Independent and safe toileting.
Those who live alone who have difficulty getting out of bed or out of a chair
Those who may not have long to live
A carer who is distressed
What about equipment?
You will need to be assessed before equipment is issued for the first time but if something is faulty or you wish to return equipment no longer needed please see contact details below and phone during office hours between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
What if I am unhappy about any aspect of the service?
We welcome any feedback concerning any part of our work. Please speak to your own OT in the first instance. If this is not appropriate or your comments are of a more general or strategic nature, please contact your Local Area Community Services.
Occupational Therapists are bound by their professional code of ethics to treat any personal information they need to know to do their job, as completely confidential.
OT’s participate in the Single Shared Assessment procedure expected of all caring disciplines nowadays, but the details of what can be shared, and with who, is explained and agreed before information is passed on.
Contact details:
Cowal
Cowal Service Centre
Ellis Lodge
Argyll Road
Dunoon
Tel: 01369 707300
Dunoon & District General Hospital
Argyll Street
Dunoon
Tel: 01369 704341
Bute
Bute Area Team
Union Street, Rothesay
Tel: 01700 501300
Victoria Hospital
Rothesay
Tel: 01700 503938
Mid-Argyll
Community Services
Dalriada House, Lochnell Street
Lochgilphead
Tel: 01546 602177
Mid-Argyll Hospital
Tel: 01546 602449
Helensburgh
Helensburgh Service Centre
Lomond House
29 Lomond Street
Helensburgh
Tel: 01436 658750
Vale of Leven Hospital
Tel: 01389 754121
Islay
Islay Area Team
Kilarrow House
Bowmore
Islay
Tel: 01496 810457
Islay Hospital
Bowmore
Islay
Tel: 01496 301000
Kintyre
Campbeltown Hospital
Ralston Road
Campbeltown
Tel: 01586 552224
