Springfield Occupational Therapists supporting patients in their transition to home

Each year OT Week sets out to recognise the pivotal contribution occupational therapists make within communities, providing innovative and tailored support to help people reach their full potential. To recognise this week, this year we are celebrating an exciting new addition to the Mater Private Hospital Springfield Occupational Therapy team. 

Mater Private Hospital Springfield has expanded their service offering thanks to a generous donation from the Greater Springfield Charity Ball event which has enabled the purchase of a car to aid occupational therapists to assess patients in the comfort of their own home and facilitate timely, safe discharge from hospital. 

Director of Clinical Services Suzanne Hawksley said the team were overwhelmed by the generosity of the donation and the positive impact this has had on patients and their families.

“Funds for the vehicle were raised at last year’s Springfield Ball, a much-anticipated annual event held by the Springfield City Group. It’s important that donations made by Springfield residents stay in our community to help those who need it,” Suzanne said.

Managing Director of Springfield City Group, Raynuha Sinnathamby is thrilled with the outcome and said that when communities come together big things can be achieved.

“We are so proud of how the Greater Springfield charity ball has helped Mater in our community over many years. Springfield City Group would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters of this event, because we couldn’t do it without them,” Raynuha said.

“We would like to thank our official event sponsors University of Southern Queensland, Lendlease, Commonwealth Bank, Grant Thornton, Icon Cancer Care, Stockland, Kalina Stockland, BMD, Minter Ellison, LandPartners and Cardno.”

Occupational Therapist Christine Cullen said the car has made a positive impact on patients already as visiting people in their own homes is fast becoming best practice in this profession.

“The role of the Occupational Therapist is to help a patient regain their independence and functional ability in their daily lives. Implementing skills learned as in inpatient in the home environment is essential to patient’s ongoing recovery,” Christine said.

“Once we enter their home we can clearly identify potential hazards and immediately work with patients to ensure they are kept safe and minimise their risk of injury in their own environment. We can also identify ways of making life easier and suggesting aides and home modifications which may help them.”

The team have received great feedback from patients and their families in that they feel safe and ready for discharge home. 

To find out more about Mater Private Hospital Springfield, visit mater.org.au/health/hospitals/mater-private-hospital-springfield

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