National Spinal Injuries Centre launches NHS ’ s first upper limb studio
Stoke Mandeville Hospital launched the NHS ’ s first upper limb studio at its National Spinal Injuries Centre ( NSIC ) during Occupational Therapy Week .
The facility will focus specifically on the rehabilitation of the upper limb with spinal cord injured patients , helping to improve a patient ’ s quality of life by building the skills required for greater independence and achieving meaningful goals .
The studio is focused on activity-based restorative therapy , which uses equipment to facilitate repetitive movement to improve a patient ’ s level of independence following spinal cord injury . The treatment originated through the work of Superman actor Christopher Reeve .
The occupational therapy team at NSIC have built up a database of equipment which can help deliver the therapy , and has built up evidence on the impact of the therapy over the last three years to help people recover the ability to complete functional tasks . It now aims to contribute to clinical research and the development of equipment prototypes and design concepts to advance rehabilitation research .
Ruth Peachment , NSIC occupational therapy clinical specialist , said : ‘ We ’ re now fully focused on the future and how we can work in partnership with patients , research bodies , design companies and manufacturers to further enhance the independence , personal achievement and personal wellbeing of those living with spinal cord injury .’
David Smith MBE , a two-time world champion and London 2012 paralympic gold medallist in rowing , underwent a period of rehabilitation at the NSIC , said : ‘ The occupational therapy upper
Patients test out the new National Spinal Injuries Centre
limb group was amazing during my time at Stoke Mandeville . Not only did it provide me and the others in the group with a challenging programme of rehab , it gave me an enjoyable place to work hard , laugh and enjoy life all at the same time .
‘ This is crucial when going through such a massive change in life following a spinal cord injury and is something that ’ s often overlooked – but not in the morning occupational therapy upper limb group . I was challenged every day with a combination of rehab approaches and established a great relationship with the staff and fellow patients , which made the rehab process so much easier .’
New simulation facility for University of Bedfordshire ’ s occupational therapy students
Students test their skills in the new facility in Luton
A new simulation suite has been unveiled at the University of Bedfordshire during Occupational Therapy Week , to help train and develop its occupational therapy students .
The £ 50,000 suite , located at the university ’ s Luton campus , features a fully functional kitchen and dining area , a large bedroom and a bathroom with separate toilet . Occupational therapy students will run through patient / client assessment situations , such as making a hot drink or transferring a person in and out of the bath .
Specialist resources will enable them to work with a wide range of age-specific and ability-led conditions , including children with learning disabilities , people with mobility issues and individuals with memory loss due to dementia .
Students will also get to experience mental health therapy by simulating meaningful activities , such as being able to successfully make a sandwich , or engage in mindfulness or meditation .
Sarah Page , senior lecturer and occupational therapy course co-ordinator , said : ‘ By working closely with local hospitals , councils and healthcare providers , we can enhance the employability of our occupational therapy students through skills learnt first-hand during their practical lessons and assessments in the simulation suite . We are hopeful that future students will want to participate in and belong to such a worthwhile profession .’
The new suite follows the start of the new BSc ( Hons ) occupational therapy course at the university this term , with five students having started in October .
8 OTnews December 2020