Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Suzi Thorpe

Alfreton,Derbyshire

Summary

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.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Occupational Therapist

Royal Derby and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Tr
Derby, Derbyshire
12.2003 - Current
  • Maximised revenue by planning, establishing and managing effective therapy programmes to attract and retain clients.
  • Completed in-progress evaluations to determine treatment success and make proactive adjustments to intervention strategies.
  • Supervised staff and conducted performance reviews for corrective action planning for optimal productivity.
  • Reduced vulnerabilities by successfully identifying risk factors and implementing tailored prevention programmes.
  • Helped student clinicians build and improve therapeutic strategy skills through effective training, supervision and mentoring.
  • Followed patient privacy rules and regulations in line with data security policies.
  • Maintained optimum levels of patient confidentiality and safety through careful data management.
  • Improved patient outcomes, educating patients, families and carers on treatment procedures and most effective home care.
  • Developed and delivered specialised OT treatment plans for full patient caseload.
  • Studied treatment plans and adjusted exercises periodically to maximise benefits.
  • Administered therapeutic range-of-motion exercises and functional activities to target client goals.
  • Worked with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive treatment and support.
  • Personalised service by adapting consultative approach to cater to various cultural, social and physical needs.
  • Measured treatment progress against care plan objectives by accurately recording client information and progress.
  • Monitored patients' physiological response to treatments, promptly addressing abnormalities.
  • Instructed patients in assistive devices, demonstrating techniques and tips to support mobility.

Assistant Psychologist.

Coventry University.
Coventry
06.2000 - 06.2001

During my time at Coventry University, I was working towards a doctorate in Health Psychology. My project was titled 'Lay led interventions for people with chronic conditions', and was led by Professor Julie Barlow.

The theory behind the project being that self help groups, run by individuals with chronic conditions are more effective than those led by people who do not suffer from chronic disease.

The conditions I focused on were: diabetes, polio, arthritis and asthma. My job required me to interview small groups of individuals from each group of conditions and statistically analyse the effectiveness of lay led self help groups.

This particular post was more of an academic post and was largely office based.

Key Aspects:

  • Completed assigned work within deadlines and to company standards.
  • Demonstrated open communication and collaborated with various teams.
  • Managed database to maintain updated records and accuracy.
  • Created presentations and printed documents for seminars and events.

Education

BSc (hons) Psychology -

University of Derby
Derby
09.1995 - 06.1998

MSc Health Psychology -

Staffordshire University
Stafford
09.1998 - 06.1999

BSc (hons) Occupational Therapy -

University of Derby
Derby
09.2001 - 06.2003

Skills

  • Excellent time management
  • Treatment planning
  • Therapeutic interventions
  • Goal setting proficiency
  • UK driving license holder
  • Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)-registered
  • Patient and family education
  • Manual handling techniques
  • Patient-centred care
  • OT treatment plan development
  • Mental Capacity Act knowledge
  • Autonomous practitioner
  • Supervision, preceptorship and education of students and junior staff

Timeline

Occupational Therapist

Royal Derby and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Tr
12.2003 - Current

BSc (hons) Occupational Therapy -

University of Derby
09.2001 - 06.2003

Assistant Psychologist.

Coventry University.
06.2000 - 06.2001

MSc Health Psychology -

Staffordshire University
09.1998 - 06.1999

BSc (hons) Psychology -

University of Derby
09.1995 - 06.1998
Suzi Thorpe