This week is Occupational Therapy Week, and we are celebrating our outstanding Occupational Therapists (OTs) working across CHFT and recognise the incredible difference they make to the lives of our patients, families and communities every day.

From paediatrics, acute care, stroke orthopaedics and respiratory services to our community teams working in mental health settings, rehabilitation units and people's homes, OTs play a vital role across our Trust.  

This year's Occupational Therapy Week theme, Participation Changes Everything, shines a light on the life-changing impact of occupational therapy. By enabling patients to take part in the everyday activities that matter most to them, OTs help individuals achieve greater independence, confidence and quality of life. 

The support they provide is as diverse as the patients they care for. This could mean helping a child develop the skills needed to play and learn, supporting someone recovering from a stroke to regain independence with washing and dressing, helping a patient return home safely after surgery, enabling someone with respiratory difficulties to manage daily activities or supporting patients in the community to remain independent in their own homes.

While these activities may seem routine, they can be life-changing for the people receiving support. Our Occupational Therapists help our patients overcome challenges and participate in the activities that matter most to them.

Happy Occupational Therapy Week and thank you to all of our incredible OTs for everything you do.