Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2020 | Page 3

T his month’s issue kicks off with an interview with a specialist housing occupational therapy team, which has contributed to dramatic cuts in waiting lists for wheelchair users within the London borough of Tower Hamlets. On page 16, Andrew Mickel finds out more about its Project 120 initiative, and how, over the years since its inception in 2012, the team has worked closely with developers, architects, the council’s own affordable housing team, and housing associations, to ensure that the right properties are built to the right specifications, and are put to use as fast as possible. Also this month, we carry a number of articles that iinvestigate some of the many and varied ways that occupational therapists are working with people with eating disorders. On page 28, Emma Rudduck explains how collaborative work with patients on an inpatient eating disorders ward around its therapeutic timetable has improved engagement. Having started a new job on the ward she faced a number of challenges, not least finding there was a minimal therapeutic timetable due to staff shortages, so she set about changing the situation Then, on page 30, Chloe Findlay, an occupational therapist at Priory Glasgow, looks at introducing exercise interventions into the eating disorder group programme, something she says is often viewed as ‘taboo’ and considered detrimental to recovery. Siana Glen, an occupational therapist at Riverdale Grange, talks about taking to the streets with her patients who have been participating in a ‘Yarn Bombing’ project to raise awareness of the stigma of eating disorders (page 34). However, believeing there was a ‘gap’ in services, she pressed on, with positive results. And finally, on page 36, Rachel Peek looks at the eating disorder Pica, and explains how she has introduced a simple intervention in the specialist school for learning disabilities and emotional behaviour disorders she is part of to tackle the issue. On a different topic, we also look at leadership. On page 38, Sarah Terry talks to us about taking part in the Council of Deans for Health Student Leadership Programme, which led to her undertaking a project focused on encouraging more men into the profession. Then, Dr Sidney Chu takes a fascinating look at his personal experience of developing multi-dimensional leadership with other occupational therapists, as he nears the end of his professional journey (page 42). Linking to the topic of retirement, Helen Tomes reflects on the ‘mixed feelings involved’ in resigning her registration with the Health and Care Professions Council after a long and varied career, so that she can fully embrace retired life (page 46). Other articles this month continue the ongoing technology series, with members of the Technology Enabled Care team at North Somerset Council sharing their current projects and how they are having a positive impact on participants on page 20. While on page 24, Kirstie Hughes looks at the potential of smart watches to support people in taking control of their own health. I hope you enjoy the issue, and if you would like to share your innovative service developments and reflections, then do get in touch. editor’s comment Tracey Samuels, Editor If you have any feedback about this issue of OTnews, or would like to contribute a short article or feature for a future publication, please email me at: [email protected]