7 December 2021

CNWL now has an Occupational Therapist working in the Occupational Health Team who is focused on delivering vocational rehabilitation to staff members who have Long Covid or another Long Term condition that make it difficult for them to remain in or return to work. The therapist works with staff members to tailor the holistic rehabilitation to their needs and review the treatment on an ongoing basis.

Valerie Morrow, CNWL's  Vocational Rehabilitation Advanced Practitioner, says

"It's a privilege to work jointly with staff members to explore some of the challenges they are experiencing and to support them in identifying effective coping strategies and ways to self-manage”.

Feedback from staff who have used the service say it offers

  • “An individual approach to my circumstances, health needs and challenges. A consistent and well organised way of conducting sessions. Very empathic and understanding”.
  • “Setting appropriate and relevant goals in sessions”.
  • “I feel lucky to have been chosen for this project and I hope it becomes available to all staff who are going through a difficult time like me”
  • “I definitely felt supported in getting back to work and staying at work”
  • “Discussing different strategies/ideas about getting back/easing into work.  Sometimes it was obvious things, but I couldn’t think of a way round it. Discussing these things was really valuable”. 

  • “My fatigue I feel has now gone, I get tired but there is such a huge difference between tiredness and fatigue, I would never of understood that without your support, thank you”. 

     

What is on offer?

Occupational Therapy takes a whole person approach to both mental and physical health and wellbeing, enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.

This involves practical, psychological and purposeful interventions that promote recovery and overcome barriers to participation in work.

An initial assessment is carried out to establish a baseline of functional ability which includes the challenges the individual may face regarding their work activities and role. Environmental factors are also explored regarding the need for reasonable adjustments.   

The Occupational Therapist and staff member then work together to identify and set work-related individual goals that will help them to return to or remain in work, reviewing progress and modifying the planned interventions on a continuous basis.   

All of this is carried out in a safe, supportive, confidential space in person or virtually. 

Interventions may include 

  • Workplace evaluation and job analysis
  • Goal setting and intervention planning
  • Mitigating the medical and psychological consequences of an injury or disability
  • Support for self-management of health conditions
  • Health advice relevant to returning to work
  • Workplace modifications
  • Psychological support and intervention
  • Ongoing support and Job retention
  • Signposting e.g. Career counselling, coaching, peer support groups.
  • Workplace assessment where appropriate

How can staff refer to the service?

You can self refer to the service or ask your manager to make the referral for you (using the managers referral form). See the Occupational Health page on Trustnet for the number to call or email.