Mandy is a consultant occupational therapist providing weekly individual therapy sessions to residents of Harcourt House.

Can you describe a typical day?
I set up group orientation sessions, run a current affairs group for residents, carry out staff training and establish recording forms. I also encourage clients to get involved in daily living. I develop individual timetables based on a client's level of cognitive, physical, social/cultural, speech and language abilities. The role of the occupational therapist is to understand how difficulties with foundation skills prevent clients from carrying out actions independently. Once I understand this, I can advise on future levels of support. A client's timetable might include personal care tasks, domestic chores, work based activities and providing educational and social opportunities. Example of one of our timetables. (page link to timetable)

What do you enjoy about your work at CarePlus?
It is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high quality care and therapy for a vulnerable and complex client group.

What aspects of your work with CarePlus do you find challenging?
Therapeutic intervention is weekly rather than daily. The success of therapy programmes and their implementation will be dependent on excellent communication skills and the creation of multidisciplinary team meetings on a regular basis.

Are there any ways in which you feel CarePlus differs from other similar organisations?
CarePlus has been receptive to suggestions to enhance its service. For example it provides more therapy hours enabling me to develop new ideas. CarePlusPartnership has also made community links, relevant to clients' needs and interests. This is proactive rehabilitation, which keeps in mind the
clients' quality of life once they leave Harcourt House.

How do you see CarePlus developing in future?
CarePlus is working towards a consultative model of practice, involving people who are experienced and competent in their day-to-day management of the clients, and therapists who review and alter client programmes.

How do you see your career developing in future?
To remain in a consultative role within the organisation and contribute to its further success.

What motivated you to pursue your career?
Fascination in healthcare provision and the creativity and broad application of occupational therapy.

What type of training did you undertake?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and qualified in 1990 at the University of Cape Town. Several years later I studied a postgraduate certificate in Health Services Management.  I have more than 15 years' clinical, managerial and ducational experience both in South Africa and the UK. My main area of expertise lies in complex neurological assessment and rehabilitation, including moderate to severe brain injury, stroke rehabilitation, learning disability and epilepsy. I completed a three-week Bobath Adult Neurology course in 1997. My previous experience includes six years at Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, being at the heart of its development. I am a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapy (BAOT), the Case Management Society UK (CMSUK) and Occupational Therapy Independent Practice (OTiP). I am governed by the College of Occupational Therapy standards of practice in Brain Injury and the case management standards of practice set by the CMSUK.  As part of Harrison Associates, I undertake individual assessments and prepare Expert Witness reports for the Court, covering occupational therapy, aids and equipment and/or care requirements, as necessary. I am trained in the Civil Procedure Rules and regularly attend the Harrison Associates training and development days.