Occupational Therapy News OTnews April 2019 | Page 8

NEWS
Royal visit to open The OT Practice’s new headquarters
The OT Practice is the largest occupational therapy
practice in the UK.
Speaking at the event, The Princess Royal said
she was struck by how independence and choice
were the themes that came up at the event and
the difference that technology is making to support
people.
She met with former clients including Alex Lewis,
now the organisation’s brand ambassador. Alex is a
quadruple amputee following a life-changing illness,
and the two discussed the technology and innovative
solutions he uses in everyday life.
Nikki Thompson, founder and executive director
of The OT Practice, said: ‘Occupational therapists by
their very nature are entrepreneurial – we’re solution
finders and think outside the box. We speak with
lots of OTs in statutory services who want to work
independently, but are apprehensive about what that
RCOT Patron HRH The Princess Royal gets a warm welcome from staff at The OT Practice
means. This new building offers us the room to grow.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was the special guest at
‘Having The Princess Royal at the opening of the new building
the opening of The OT Practice’s new head office in Hampshire
was fantastic; both her visit and her patronage of RCOT helps
last month.
raise our profile and recognise our work. The fact she chose to
HRH, who is patron of RCOT, met with staff and clients in
see us is a real nod to the future of the career opportunities in the
a celebration of work delivered by independent occupational
independent sector.
therapists. Commissioners of independent occupational therapy
‘She was really interested in the career stories of the OTs
services, including military charities, councils and the case
she met, and one gave a presentation about his journey into
management community, were also at the event to demonstrate
independent practice. She met with clients too and really
the wide range of work delivered by the 300-strong network of
understood the journey they go on. Every person left the visit
self-employed occupational therapists.
feeling positive about occupational therapy and their role in it.’
Northampton occupational therapy students first with new frailty training
The University of Northampton’s occupational therapy students
have been the first to complete new training to help work with
older people with frailty.
A mocked-up flat for ‘Millie’, a fictional woman experiencing
frailty, was built so students could complete immersive clinical
simulation sessions, including assessments in the kitchen,
bathroom and bedroom.
The work was aligned against the national capabilities
framework for frailty, with students at the end of the day making a
pledge to become a ‘Frailty Friend’.
Emma Holman, a year two student, said: ‘Your immediate
thoughts when you hear the word “frailty” tend to be negative.
But throughout the day, as you consider how you can help from a
person-centred perspective, I saw how occupational therapy can
turn a negative condition like frailty into a positive outcome.’
Kim Stuart, senior lecturer in occupational therapy and
who is leading the university’s frailty initiatives, said: ‘There has
been momentous drive across health and social care to better
understand and support people who are living with frailty in
Northamptonshire, reflecting the University of Northampton’s
8 OTnews April 2019
ethos of having
social impact
and sharing
resources, skills,
time and expertise
to meet a social
or environmental
need.
‘Occupational
therapists are a
key professional
group in working
within older people
experiencing
frailty and we
Emma Holman with her Frailty Friends pledge
will continue to
work with Northamptonshire services in ensuring that all our
undergraduates and postgraduates are fit for frailty for now and in
the future. I’m very proud of our students who took part in today’s
training and what they will go on to achieve.’