Occupational Therapist – Acute Inpatient
Occupational Therapist – Acute
The Inpatient Occupational Therapist will provide a patient-centred Occupational Therapy service to patients admitted to the acute hospital wards. The role involves assessing functional ability, cognition, occupational performance and discharge needs, with the aim of maximising independence and facilitating safe and timely discharge.
The Occupational Therapist will work closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), patients and families to develop appropriate rehabilitation and discharge plans. This role is based in Drogheda.
Key Responsibilities of Occupational Therapist – Acute
- Complete comprehensive functional and occupational therapy assessments.
- Assess patients’ ability to manage activities of daily living including washing, dressing, toileting and transfers.
- Assess cognition and perceptual skills where clinically indicated.
- Identify barriers to independence and safe discharge.
- Develop and implement individualised treatment and rehabilitation plans.
- Provide functional rehabilitation and education to patients and carers.
- Recommend appropriate equipment, adaptive techniques and environmental modifications.
- Contribute to discharge planning from an early stage of admission.
- Assess functional needs in relation to the patient’s home environment.
- Identify patients requiring community or additional rehabilitation services.
- Liaise with Community Occupational Therapy, Primary Care, Public Health Nursing and other relevant services.
- Review and prioritise referrals according to clinical need and discharge requirements.
- Complete bedside and functional assessments.
- Review patients’ progress and adjust intervention plans.
- Provide advice to patients, families and ward staff.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records.
- Work within professional, legal and hospital standards.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
Essential Requirements of Occupational Therapist – Acute
- Recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy.
- Registration CORU
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team.
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention.
- Understanding of discharge planning and community services.
- Excellent communication, organisational and clinical reasoning skills.
- Ability to prioritise and manage an inpatient caseload.
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