The Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is here to support you and enable you to overcome any barriers which may prevent you from doing activities that matter to you.
Their aim is to help you increase your independence and to improve your quality and satisfaction in all aspects of life.
How are patients referred to the team?
The team accepts referrals from Rheumatologists, Rheumatology Nurse Specialists or Allied Health Professionals (AHP) colleagues. Referrals are prioritised in order to identify who requires urgent Occupational Therapy to reduce risks.
What should I expect from my appointments?
The team conducts appointments at our three hospital sites – Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Clifton Hospital and Fleetwood Hospital. They offer a mixture of appointments, such as phone calls, video calls and face-to-face appointments.
An outpatient appointment with the Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Team usually lasts one hour and you may be asked to complete a questionnaire ahead of the appointment. This is sent out with your appointment letter and helps the team identify any difficulties that you may be experiencing in your day-to-day life, through self-care, productivity and leisure.
Self-care includes personal care tasks, such as toileting and dressing; functional mobility such as walking and bed transfers, as well as community management such as grocery shopping and driving.
Productivity includes paid/unpaid work, looking after children and household management such as food preparation and general household activities.
Leisure includes hobbies and interests such as reading and sport/exercise as well as socialising with colleagues, friends or family.