29 October 2020

The new model of placement was introduced this summer as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic by our occupational therapists (OTs). The model meant final year student OTs would be deployed into the workplace to provide extra support to OT teams at CNWL.

Martine Burrell, an OT at 3 Beatrice Place (an older peoples inpatient mental health unit) took on a student OT this summer.

Martine says there were challenges as well as opportunities:

“During the pandemic, we all had to respond to continually changing protocols, procedure and guidelines, as well as provide as much support as we can to our anxious patients and their family members.

“For a student, the first day of a job can be intimidating in any circumstances. The student we took on had to deal with these rapid changes and a new way of working, and needed flexibility and adaptability from us to succeed.

“As well as challenges, there were opportunities too. Our student was required to work independently which was an opportunity for her to build competence, apply the things she has learn throughout her studies and previous placements. Immediately, she became fully involved with the team and her fresh perspective and energy really helped us

“Huge thanks to all the final year student OTs, who rose to the challenge in a time of global crisis, and stepped up and came out into the workplace, showing our profession’s adaptability, compassion, and commitment to serving people in their times of greatest need.”