Occupational Therapy

How to find us:

Follow the picture of a blue running child which takes you to the Occupational and Physiotherapy department.

The Children’s Occupational Therapy Service

The Children’s Occupational Therapy service is based in the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The service was set up in July 2016 and currently there is one full time member of staff.

Children are seen who are primarily referred by the paediatric Orthopaedic and Rheumatology consultants for short term interventions.

Each child is given advice, treatment or management programme based on an individual assessment of the child’s needs, and their condition with the aim that each child reaches their full potential and maximum independence , especially with regards to activities of daily living including play, school activities and self- care skills.

Where do we see children?

Children are seen in the hospital either on the children’s wards or as outpatients in the Jenny Lind Therapy department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Who do we treat?

Rheumatology: We see children and young people with various rheumatological conditions including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, various autoimmune diseases and young people who are struggling with hypermobility or chronic pain.   We work as part of the MDT focusing on independence with activities of daily living including liaising with school.  We also now help young people to transition into adult services in a supportive and appropriate way.

Orthopaedic: Includes working with children, young people and their families primarily where mobility is affected by surgery.  We carry out pre-op assessments and ward work concentrating on preparing the young person and their family for discharge from hospital working with physiotherapists and specialist nurses.

Out-patient work includes seeing children with hand problems who need upper limb splints to help correct deformities.

Upper limb assessment clinic: For children with cerebral palsy we are part of a consultant led clinic, and provide Occupational therapy treatment  following surgery or other consultant input for these children.

Children on Buxton ward are seen for longer term rehabilitation or advice regarding positioning and specialist equipment.

Referrals:

If you feel your child may need an Occupational Therapy assessment please discuss this with your consultant or Specialist nurse who will be able to refer you to the service if appropriate.  Please note there is a community Children’s Occupational Therapy team who work with children and young people with long term disabilities.