Suzi Thorpe

I am a skilled senior Occupational Therapist with twenty years of clinical experience, in various settings, including: In patient acute medicine, trauma and orthopaedics, surgery and oncology, splints, in patient rehabilitation and A&E.

My current role in A&E involves working with patients who have diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions. In addition to this, I also work as part of the FEAT team (Frail, elderly assessment team), which is a multidisciplinary team comprised of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, pharmacists and medics, conducting comprehensive geriatric assessments. In order to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. I have specialist knowledge in falls, Parkinson's, dementia, geriatrics and palliative care.

In addition to our geriatric patients, many younger patients present to A&E, with complex social issues and care needs.
Written and verbal communication is a necessity in such a fast paced work environment, as is my ability to adapt my communication when working with patients with mental health conditions or cognitive impairment. I rely heavily on my negotiating and diplomacy skills. Being able to work effectively as part of a team, sharing knowledge and skills is an imperative aspect of my job.

As an A&E therapist, I also work in MAU and our short stay wards. Delivering quality assessments, treatment planning and intervention. I practise evidence based therapeutic strategies, ensuring that patients reach their own individual goals.

I am dual competent with the physiotherapists, and have competencies in gait analysis. I have an extensive knowledge of adaptive equipment and aids and am adept at complex problem solving. I am experienced in assessing for intermediate care services and inpatient rehab settings.

As an occupational therapist, I am able to transfer skills, knowledge and experience between different clinical situations. I constantly risk assess my assessment approach to maximise my patient's function and safety. I consider complex information in a logical, structural manner.

As a senior therapist within my current team, I am competent in manging multiple case loads and accept clinical responsibility to oversee and manage the caseloads of more junior staff.

Furthermore, I provide support and guidance to junior staff, completing preceptorships, supervision and appraisals. I have created quick reference guides and lead in service training sessions on interpreting blood results, fast track palliative discharges and tissue viability.

I am an APPLE accredited placement educator and have had many students during my career. I have also completed my Vulnerable Adult Ambassador training, often acting as a patient's advocate. I have a good understanding of mental capacity and cognitive impairment.

I have attended the hospital TRUST training on leadership, psychological resilience and transactional analysis.

I enjoy my job immensely and am passionate about patient care. I am hoping to be able to join the OT practice and work on some new challenges.