Inspirational Story

Can you tell us about your role and the difference it makes to patient care?

I work as a therapy assistant practitioner in the paediatric neurology and oncology team in a children’s hospital. I work with physiotherapists and occupational therapists.   My role is to help with recovery, rehabilitation and safe discharge of the patient to home.  For some patients, I also provide a block of therapy sessions to help bridge the gap while patients are on a waiting list to see local therapy teams.

I work with the team and with families to assist with bespoke rehabilitation programmes: exercises, games, hydrotherapy, developmental play, sensory work, baby massage instruction, positioning programmes.  I also support activities of daily living: getting dressed, making a snack, completing a craft activity. No two days are the same!

I implement follow up therapy with children and young people at home to help them return to school and to participate in everyday activities.  The specialist outreach rehabilitation intervention involves travelling to the homes of patients all over the region.  I provide help for patients to continue to make progress once they are discharged from hospital.  I support problem solving in the home, for example- what is the safest way to get upstairs, or into the garden?    I also support trips to the local swimming pool, parks, and soft play.  Sometimes, I may also provide therapy at school.

There is a large amount of physical activity in this job as we encourage patients to move more!

I order and set up equipment that is needed along the patient’s recovery pathway, provide toys and games, reward charts and reward stickers.

What attracted you to being a support worker?

I previously worked in education and wanted to start a new role where I could work  in the health sector, using the skills I had from being a teacher.  Being a support worker meant I could begin work straight away, gaining new knowledge and experience from my colleagues.

How has training and development in your role helped you so far?

I feel I have been very well supported in my role and have had several opportunities to develop new areas of interest and expertise to expand my scope of practice.  I have increased my range of skills and improved understanding and confidence.  I have recently completed a level 4 qualification in Exercise for Cancer Rehabilitation, which has helped me work with young people with cancer to increase their activity levels. I have also qualified as a baby massage instructor.  I use baby massage instruction with families of our very young patients, to assist with bonding and wellbeing.

I also completed a communication course for support workers who are working with children receiving palliative care. This has been invaluable, helping me talk to patients and their families.

What are you most proud of in your role?

I am proud to work as part of the outreach team to support children and young people once they have left hospital.  It is really great to help each individual work towards their goals. Building relationships with families, helping overcome barriers and supporting fun activities at home or in the community is what gives me job satisfaction.  I feel really proud to work as part of the neurology and oncology rehabilitation team.

What would you say to others to encourage more people to become AHP support workers?

Support workers are given the opportunity to gain skills and experience from colleagues and can form an essential part of a successful team. I have learnt so much from my peers through in-service training and by proving my competence and understanding my own limitations I am now able to see patients on my own and progress therapy programmes.  The qualified staff are always available for advice and support.

Anything else you would like to say?

I really enjoy being part of a busy and respected team in the hospital.  I feel privileged to work as a support worker and would recommend this role to anyone who wants to start a career in health care.

A quote from a parent of a child seen at home for therapy:

“Veronica has supported us within the hospital and at home. She has advised us which areas to focus on.  After a couple of sessions “B” was able to crawl.  After further sessions “B” is now able to climb on to the settee, cruise with the aid of furniture and walk holding one hand.

Veronica has provided us with a heathfield combi potty seat for home.  This has allowed “B” to go back to using the potty. Without the support of Veronica I don’t believe “B” would be where she is today in terms of her mobility”.