Katelyn Collis

Frailty Admissions (current role)

• Independently manage fast-paced caseload of older adults presenting with acute functional decline, prioritising assessments and interventions to support timely discharge.
• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments (ADL, cognition, mobility) and develop individualised intervention plans.
• Recommend and arrange adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to maximise safety and independence at home.
• Work closely with MDT members to coordinate discharge planning, escalate concerns and ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain accurate electronic records to professional and NHS standards and communicate clear rehabilitation goals to patients and carers.

Medicine of the Elderly – Rehabilitation Ward

• Managed rehabilitation-focused caseloads for older adults with complex medical needs, delivering goal-oriented interventions to restore function.
• Completed functional and cognitive assessments, contributing to multidisciplinary reviews and tailored rehabilitation programmes.
• Supported patient flow initiatives through proactive discharge planning and liaison with community services.

Placement Four (10 Weeks) – Stroke Rehabilitation

Completed a 10-week placement across an acute stroke ward and an 8-bed stroke rehabilitation ward. Developed a strong understanding of different stroke types and how they can affect a person's physical, cognitive, visual, and functional abilities. Gained experience in sensory re-education, kitchen assessments, upper limb rehabilitation, safe transfers, and manual handling.

Developed knowledge of visual impairments following stroke, including hemianopia and diplopia, as well as scanning techniques, inattention, aphasia, and apraxia. Completed functional assessments to understand how these difficulties impact a person's ability to carry out activities of daily living and participate in meaningful occupations.

As my final placement, I managed my own caseload under supervision and worked closely within the multidisciplinary team to support rehabilitation and discharge planning. I was nominated by my Practice Educator for Student of the Year in recognition of my performance and contribution during placement and was proud to receive this award.

Placement Three (9 Weeks) – Community Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Completed a 9-week placement within a community paediatric occupational therapy service based in a primary care centre. Gained experience carrying out school and nursery visits, attending clinic sessions and MDT clinics, and supporting children with a range of developmental and additional needs. Developed knowledge of sensory processing, child development, and conditions including autism, Down syndrome, and other neurodivergent presentations.

Completed telephone consultations, seating assessments, and contributed to children's support plans. Planned and delivered activities to support handwriting skills and daily routines, and created information sheets and visual resources for children, families, and schools. Also gained experience through case studies and observing how occupational therapy supports children's participation in everyday activities.

Placement Two (6 Weeks) – Mental Health (Inpatient & Community)

Completed a 6-week placement across a mental health inpatient ward and a community residential facility. Gained experience using the MOHOST assessment and supporting individuals with their recovery and daily routines. Facilitated breakfast and gardening groups, delivered sessions focused on building routines, attended weekly MDT meetings, completed shopping assessments, and supported service users with community integration and access to local activities. Also assisted with recovery-focused group sessions to promote independence and well-being.

Placement One (6 Weeks) – Medicine of the Elderly (Acute & Rehabilitation)

Completed a 6-week placement across an acute admission ward and a medicine of the elderly rehabilitation ward. Gained experience in completing pre-admission profiles, initial assessments, PADL assessments, bed and chair transfers, toileting assessments, kitchen assessments, and documenting interventions and outcomes.

Following my qualification, I worked in the medicine of the elderly rehabilitation ward from September 2025 to January 2026. Since January 2026, I have been working as a Band 5 Occupational Therapist on the Acute Frailty Admission Ward, assessing patients, supporting safe discharges, and helping people maintain their independence.

• Provided person-centred support to adults with intellectual disabilities, promoting independence, dignity and community participation.
• Assisted with personal care (washing, dressing, toileting), meal support and medication prompts while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Supported mobility and safe transfers using hoists and mobility aids, applying correct moving and handling techniques.
• Facilitated engagement in social and community activities to enhance wellbeing and skill development.
• Maintained accurate care records and communicated effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams to implement individualised support plans.

• Supported elderly residents with activities of daily living, including personal care, mobility assistance and nutritional support, enhancing comfort and fostering independence.
• Encouraged rehabilitation and mobility through assistance and motivation, facilitating residents' functional progress and improving quality of life.
• Provided emotional support through compassionate communication and ensured accurate care records to enhance team handovers and continuity of care.
• Applied safe moving and handling techniques and maintained infection prevention and control standards.