Zainab Fofana
Occupational therapist
Wolverhampton
Summary
Compassionate and motivated newly qualified Occupational Therapist with diverse clinical experience across acute, community, trauma, hand therapy, and secure mental health settings. Skilled in holistic assessment, intervention planning, risk management, and delivering evidence-based, person-centred care. Confident working within multidisciplinary teams, adapting interventions to complex needs, and supporting patients to achieve meaningful occupational goals. Ready to contribute to high-quality OT practice within the NHS and independent services. I am also equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) – Community Team
- Completed functional and cognitive assessments for stroke survivors in their homes.
- Supported patients with ADLs, mobility, fatigue management, and upper-limb rehabilitation.
- Contributed to goal setting, discharge planning, equipment provision, and MDT discussions.
- Developed skills in community risk assessment and patient-centred intervention planning.
Hand Therapy - Out Patient
Princess Royal Hospital
- Assisted with assessment and treatment of upper-limb conditions including fractures, tendon injuries, nerve disorders, tendon and soft tissue injuries, Arthritics, trauma, and post-operative rehabilitation.
- Delivered exercise programmes, splinting practice (observational/assisted), scar management, and functional retraining.
- Gained experience in outcome measures, documentation, and patient education.
- Built confidence in clinical reasoning and treatment progression.
Trauma & Orthopaedics – Acute Inpatient Ward
- Conducted functional assessments for patients post-fracture, joint replacement, and trauma surgery.
- Supported discharge planning, equipment provision, and safe mobility.
- Delivered ADL retraining, transfer practice, and falls-prevention education.
- Worked closely with physiotherapists, nurses, and social care to coordinate safe discharges.
Secure Mental Health – Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation
- Completed holistic OT assessments considering cognitive, sensory, emotional, and functional needs.
- Delivered graded interventions including kitchen tasks, community outings, executive-functioning work, and ADL/IADL retraining.
- Contributed to risk assessment, care planning, and MDT reviews.
- Developed skills in behavioural observation, trauma-informed practice, and therapeutic engagement with complex patients.
Healthcare Assistant
Nexxus CARE
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Supported nursing staff in delivering quality care to diverse patient populations.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical professionals promptly.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation, enhancing communication across teams.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Studies, Health Service Management
University of East London
East London UK07-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies, Health Service Management
University of East London
East London UK07-2013
Skills
- Holistic OT assessment (cognitive, functional, sensory, emotional)
- Evidence-based intervention planning
- Goal setting using SMART and MOHO frameworks
- Risk assessment & dynamic risk management
- ADL and IADL retraining
- Community rehabilitation & graded exposure
- Upper-limb rehabilitation & hand therapy principles
- Neurorehabilitation & stroke recovery
- Trauma & orthopaedics functional assessment
- Mental health and behaviour-based interventions
- Documentation, report writing, and MDT collaboration
- Communication, empathy, and therapeutic rapport
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Problem resolution
- Verbal communication
- Decision-making
- Calm under pressure
- Excellent communication
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Flexible and adaptable
- Multitasking
- Active listening
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Shadowed Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation (acute stroke ward) – observing functional assessments, mobility retraining, discharge planning, and MDT working.
- Shadowed Outpatient Physiotherapy – gaining insight into exercise prescription, mobility progression, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation approaches.
- Shadowed a Community Rehabilitation Centre – observing community-based functional assessments, home-based interventions, and goal-oriented rehabilitation planning.
- Shadowed Intermediate Care Services & Discharge Unit – developing understanding of step-down care, reablement, equipment provision, and safe discharge pathways.
- Shadowing experience at Oldbury Hospital (Cygnet) PICU/Acute – observing trauma-informed practice, dynamic risk assessment, and acute mental health intervention strategies.
Timeline
Healthcare Assistant
Nexxus CARE
01.2024 - 09.2024
Secure Mental Health – Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation
Trauma & Orthopaedics – Acute Inpatient Ward
Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) – Community Team
Hand Therapy - Out Patient
Princess Royal Hospital
Master of Science - Early Childhood Studies, Health Service Management
University of East London
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies, Health Service Management
University of East London