Reshmeetha Velaithan

I support physiotherapists and occupational therapists in delivering high-quality rehabilitation services to acute inpatients. My responsibilities include assisting with patient mobilisation, functional tasks, cognitive rehabilitation programs, and supervised exercise regimens. I also provide guidance to patients and caregivers, encouraging independence in daily activities. I contribute to the maintenance and provision of therapy equipment, ensuring its safe use, cleanliness, and availability. I assist in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing records, arranging patient transport, and liaising with multidisciplinary teams. Effective communication is essential in my role, particularly when working with individuals who have cognitive or speech impairments.

My position requires physical endurance for patient handling, frequent manual tasks, and adaptability to varied clinical environments. I uphold patient confidentiality, adhere to health and safety policies, and maintain professionalism while working in emotionally challenging situations,

I hold the Healthcare Support Worker Award upon successful completion of the Eat, Drink, Dress & Move Therapy Audit. I actively contribute to the delivery of therapy services by independently completing D2A assessments, liaising with Next of Kin (NOK) to gather collateral information, and participating in joint OT sessions daily. I am proactive in supporting my team, having successfully conducted multiple Upper Limb exercise programs and independently managed treatment regimes for 7 Neuro outlier patients. My responsibilities include attending RAG/MDT meetings autonomously, creating and updating borough leaflets, and presented specialised bitesize training on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, including a detailed case study on Bipolar II Disorder with psychotic features. I am skilled in using hoists and equipment such as the Sara Stedy, conducting functional assessments, applying splints, and delivering assistive technology. I am experienced in completing RUDAS, O-Logs, and 4AT's, promoting patient independence, and supporting daily therapy goals. I provide essential patient equipment, assist with ADLs, and contribute to the holistic care of neuro patients with a strong emphasis on patient-centered therapy.

I provided dedicated care across five inpatient medical wards, including Dementia & Delirium, Cardiology & Haematology, Dementia Activities, Acute Stroke, and Respiratory. My duties involved close patient observation, encouraging independence, and supporting mobility through the use of hoists and walking frames. I assisted elderly patients in overcoming fears related to movement post-fall, fostering confidence in their ability to regain independence.

I monitored vital signs, including blood sugar levels, and collaborated with occupational therapists to engage patients in therapeutic activities. I ensured patients’ hygiene needs were met, performing washing and dressing at least three times per shift. I offered emotional support to patients, helping them manage anxiety in the unfamiliar hospital environment. I regularly assessed for skin damage and pressure sores, provided stoma care, and supported the safe moving and handling of patients with limited mobility.

Due to my exemplary academic performance in Human and Behavioural Sciences, I was appointed by the Head of Department to serve as a Psychology Oral Mentor for Year 1 and Year 2 undergraduate psychology students. In this capacity, I delivered comprehensive training on effective public speaking, focusing on building students’ confidence for their final-year dissertation presentations. I assessed and graded students' speeches, providing in-depth, constructive feedback to enhance their delivery and presentation skills.

I possess experience in assisting with the planning and delivery of 1:1 keyworker sessions, as well as managing and conducting comprehensive risk assessments for individuals with severe mental health conditions, personality disorders, and learning disabilities. My role primarily focused on working with young adults aged 17-21, including those with complex needs and individuals at high risk due to frequent suicidal ideation.

I collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team of CBT therapists, social workers, psychological wellbeing practitioners, and psychiatrists to ensure holistic care. I was entrusted with providing emotional support to young individuals displaying aggression and violence, employing de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviours. I was responsible for ensuring the completion of weekly reports, setting objectives, preparing therapeutic programmes, and maintaining up-to-date risk assessments. I attended weekly clinical supervision with the CBT therapist, ensuring continuous professional development and the delivery of high-quality care.