Occupational Therapy in Rheumatology
The Occupational Therapy department offers a service to patients under the care of a rheumatologist or rheumatology practitioner at Poole hospital. Your GP can also refer you to see an Occupational Therapist.
The aim is to teach patients how to manage their rheumatological condition so that they can function as independently as possible in all aspects of their daily lives.
Specialised advice is offered specifically regarding how arthritis or other soft tissue problems affects hand function, often an area of concern for patients. Hands are so important to our everyday lives enabling us to function independently and therefore need particular attention.
The department is situated within the therapy services department, which is well signposted from entrance 8, the dome entrance. The occupational therapists work within the hand therapy unit.
Your Doctor or Rheumatology Practitioner may suggest that an Occupational Therapy appointment may be beneficial to you. You may also request to see an Occupational Therapist if you wish.
Patient's are initially assessed by an Occupational Therapist in the department and problems are identified together.