NICOLA (SPEIRS) SCOTT
Summary
I am an Occupational Therapist with 17 years of experience spanning acute and community settings, including more than ten years as a Band 6 OT in acute medical teams. My work centres on functional and cognitive assessment, rehabilitation, and discharge planning, with knowledge in areas such as frailty, fluctuating cognition, addiction, and chronic conditions including Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD) and Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD). I regularly engage with ARBD topics through conference presentations, focused training, and collaboration with specialist services. I have experience supporting individuals with complex needs, including those associated with the justice system, ensuring their requirements are addressed within structured and person-centred pathways. My background includes service development, MDT leadership, and mentoring, supported by clinical reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based approaches. I am experienced in navigating matters related to capacity, safeguarding, and discharge planning, working jointly with social work, psychiatry, and other health professionals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2008
2008
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Occupational Therapist (Band 6) Acute Medicine
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
02.2013 - 09.2025
- Played a central role in establishing multidisciplinary team (MDT) working on acute gastroenterology wards, defining and promoting the role and contribution of occupational therapy
- Developed and strengthened links with psychiatry, improving referral pathways for patients with safeguarding and capacity concerns ensuring timely access to specialist support
- Presented at liver conferences to highlight the role and impact of occupational therapy in acute gastroenterology, raising the profile of the profession and influencing practice
- Deliver specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention for acutely unwell patients with complex medical presentations, including frailty, delirium, dementia, respiratory conditions, and multi-morbidity
- Provide timely functional, cognitive, and risk assessments to inform safe discharge planning and prevent unnecessary hospital delays
- Lead discharge decision-making in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, arranging packages of care, rehabilitation, or alternative placements as required
- Support patient flow by prioritising caseloads, managing rapid turnover, and responding to emergency referrals within a high-pressure environment
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior staff, students, and support workers, fostering skill development and reflective practice
- Contribute to service development, including implementation of evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives within the acute medical setting
- Liaise closely with community services, GPs, and social work to ensure continuity of care and reduce risk of readmission
- Key Achievements
- Responsibilities
Hospital In-Reach Worker (Change Fund Project)
Midlothian Council
11.2011 - 02.2013
- Set up and delivered a new hospital in-reach service to reduce delayed discharges for Midlothian residents admitted to Edinburgh hospitals
- Assessed patients with Midlothian postcodes and facilitated timely repatriation to local services
- Coordinated discharge pathways, arranging enhanced packages of care, community rehabilitation placements, or care home admissions as appropriate
- Worked closely with acute hospital teams, social work, GPs, and community services to ensure safe transitions and continuity of care
- Supported flow across hospital and community settings by addressing barriers to discharge and tailoring support to individual needs
- Contributed to service monitoring and evaluation
Rotational Occupational Therapist (Band 5)
NHS Lothian
09.2008 - 11.2011
- Completed a broad range of clinical rotations, including Medicine for the Elderly, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Surgical, and Stroke, developing a strong foundation in diverse areas of occupational therapy practice
- Carried out holistic assessments of functional and cognitive ability, delivering tailored rehabilitation programmes to support independence and safe discharge
- Contributed to multidisciplinary team working, liaising with nursing, medical, physiotherapy, and social work colleagues to coordinate patient-centred care
- Gained experience in complex discharge planning, equipment provision, and risk management in both acute and community contexts
- Developed clinical reasoning skills, adaptability, and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and priorities across a variety of medical specialties
Technical Instructor Level 3 – Occupational Therapy (Acute Neuro Specialties)
NHS Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust
02.2008 - 09.2008
- Supported Occupational Therapists in the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with acute neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and progressive neurological disorders
- Delivered individual and group-based interventions to promote functional independence, cognitive rehabilitation, and activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Monitored and recorded patient progress, providing feedback to qualified staff and contributing to treatment planning
- Assisted with the safe use of adaptive equipment, splints, and mobility aids, ensuring correct application and patient understanding
- Facilitated discharge planning by implementing treatment programmes aimed at maximising independence and preparing patients for transition to home or community services
- Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team, liaising with physiotherapists, nurses, and medical staff to provide coordinated patient care
Education
BSc (Hons) - Occupational Therapy
Queen Margaret University
EdinburghCertificate in Leadership & Management -
West College Scotland
Assessment of Capacity -
University of the West of Scotland
Skills
- Mental capacity act expertise
- Cognitive assessment skills
- Critical thinking
- Patience and resilience
- Therapeutic communication techniques
- Occupational analysis
References
References available upon request.
Affiliations
- Member of Occupational Therapist Addictions Specialist Interest Group Local and National OTASIG
- HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist
- Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists
Timeline
Senior Occupational Therapist (Band 6) Acute Medicine
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
02.2013 - 09.2025
Hospital In-Reach Worker (Change Fund Project)
Midlothian Council
11.2011 - 02.2013
Rotational Occupational Therapist (Band 5)
NHS Lothian
09.2008 - 11.2011
Technical Instructor Level 3 – Occupational Therapy (Acute Neuro Specialties)
NHS Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust
02.2008 - 09.2008
BSc (Hons) - Occupational Therapy
Queen Margaret University
Certificate in Leadership & Management -
West College Scotland
Assessment of Capacity -
University of the West of Scotland