NHSScotland Careers
04 November 2024
•6 min read
Who is Michelle?
Michelle is a clinical specialist occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and young people in Scotland. She works in NHS Lothian as an acute team lead.
From a young age, Michelle enjoyed caring for children. While at school, she volunteered at a summer holiday club for children with additional needs. Michelle then studied Occupational Therapy and graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University.
Michelle's first job was in an acute adult setting, working on a rotational basis. She wanted to further develop her skills across a variety of settings. Michelle then applied for a senior position in paediatrics and, a few years later, progressed to her current role as an acute team lead. Michelle says, "I have always had a passion for occupational therapy and the unique contribution our jobs have on the lives of others".
Promoting independence in daily living activities
In this video, Michelle describes her role as an occupational therapist who works with children and young people. This includes children of all ages, from babies in the neonatal unit to children and young people in the acute inpatient wards.
Michelle says, "It's a fast-paced and exciting job. Occupational therapy is always evolving, and it's energising and exciting to be involved."
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Scene 1 video: dressing skills assessment
Michelle carries out a dressing assessment, while the child removes an upper item of clothing and shoes. Directed by Michelle, the child demonstrates shoelace tying and putting their shoes back on.
Occupational therapists can assess a range of skills and abilities during this task, including fine motor skills and visual perception abilities. In this scene, Michelle was able to understand the child’s view of their abilities.
Scene 2 video: example of an occupational therapy assessment
Michelle uses a non-standardised version of the Movement ABC assessment. She assesses the child's dexterity, speed and control of fine motor skills. Both the right and left hand can be assessed.
The child's use of a peg board and lacing demonstrated their fine motor abilities.
Scene 3 video: Fun intervention session
Michelle has set up an intervention session during which the child will decorate biscuits. The activity helps the child explore the use of cutlery, spreading, and stirring. It gives Michelle the opportunity to observe the child using 2 hands together. In addition, it promotes the development of fine motor control and finger dexterity.
You can become an occupational therapist like Michelle
Everyday tasks can sometimes be challenging due to physical limitations, injuries, mental health issues, or aging. That's where occupational therapists can help! They work with people of all ages to help them feel independent in the activities that matter most to them. They also offer new ideas for doing things or making small changes in the environment to make life a little easier.
Discover more allied health professions
Check out our AHP career guide and explore how you can become an allied health professional.