Occupational Therapy: Trauma and Orthopaedic

Occupational Therapists enable patients undergoing planned orthopaedic surgery and trauma cases carry out every day activities independently and safely.

The Trauma and Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy team are part of the Occupational Therapy (OT) department.

The Trauma & Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy Service provides inpatient and outpatient assessment and treatment of patients for planned surgery and orthopaedic injuries.

Occupational Therapists wear green trousers and white tunics.

The Occupational Therapy Department is located in Entrance 8 Rehabilitation at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The nearest car parks are outside the Surgical Day Case Unit and the main Outpatients car park off Chester Road.

The Occupational Therapy Department provides a seven day service between 08:00 to 16:30 each day.

Occupational Therapy 0191 5656256 extension 42412

Divisional General Manager Jackie Butterworth

Directorate Manager Mandy Bates

Clinical Director Mary Spearman

Clinical Manager Jill Graham

Trauma and Orthopaedic Team Leader Louise Marshall

Occupational Therapists with expert knowledge in Orthopaedics oversee the care of all patients, with input from support staff.

Occupational Therapists work in outpatient areas, as well as on the wards and within the Occupational Therapy Department. Patients may attend the Occupational Therapy Department where they are able to practice every day tasks for example getting on and off the bed and tasks in the kitchen.

For some patients a visit to their own home may be carried out from the ward, to see how patients manage in their own environment.

The City Hospitals Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy team provide the following services:

Hip and knee school education prior to admission to hospital for elective surgery
Visits to patients homes prior to planned surgery to provide equipment that will be needed following surgery
Assessment following planned orthopaedic surgery
Assessment after orthopaedic trauma
Provision of assistive equipment
Home visits.
Referrals to other services

The team also provide a specific Specialist Hand Splinting Service, this includes the assessment and treatment of hand conditions and trauma. Therapists work in hand clinic which is situated in fracture clinic where they fabricated custom made thermoplastic splints to enhance surgery outcomes, provide support or immobilisation of joints.

Functional hand assessments are also provided which may include providing advice regarding daily living activities and recommendations for assistive equipment.