Valentina Gratton

The Moving and Handling Team accepts referrals for paediatric and adult cases and I complete specialist assessments for the provision of slings, hoists, in-bed systems and seating. I work collaboratively with partner agencies in the NHS and private sectors and I've developed relationships with representatives from equipment providers. I facilitate moving and handling training for formal and informal caregivers in-line with principals from key legislation. I am proficient at presenting cases to formal meetings including specialist equipment and adaptations panels. My role of Team Leader has enabled me to develop my supervisor skills of clinical and non-clinical staff.

My role with Stockport Council focused on complex housing adaptation. This comprised assessments for the provision of ramps, level access showers, through-floor lifts, toilet/shower pods and extensions. My skills also extended to consultations for accessible communal spaces and urban planning. In this setting I developed expert knowledge of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process, architectural drawings and details pertaining to Document M of the Building Regulations. Furthermore, our OT rota also covered weekly triage duties and Blue Badge assessments.

I began my career in London, hired straight out of university to work full time for Hackney Council. Working autonomously, I managed large cases of service users with complex health needs, living independently in the community. I acquired expert knowledge on conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Motor Neuron Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. I worked with a rich cultural and ethnically diverse population and I embraced opportunities to educate myself on a range of cultural practices that continue to inform my assessment and intervention plans to this day.