2006 finalists
Mrs Fiona Johnson, Senior 1 Occupational Therapist, Tavistock and West Devon Community Mental Health, Tavistock
Fiona was nominated for the Occupational Therapist of the Year Award by one of her service users, Jackie Sargeant. Jackie was chronically depressed and frustrated with the lack of opportunities for people experiencing mental illness to engage in meaningful activities.
Fiona encouraged Jackie to set up a café with other service users, and has helped them to run the café. It has provided a safe environment for mental health recovery, enabling Jackie to lead a more active and fulfilling life.
Mrs Valerie Brock, Community Occupational Therapist, Cardiff City Council
Valerie was nominated by David John, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. David’s wife is his carer, and after she had a major operation, the couple struggled with daily tasks they had previously taken for granted, such as getting up and down the stairs.
Valerie recommended changes to their home, which included installing a stairlift, and converting the upstairs bathroom. She called for the work to be ‘fast-tracked’ and kept in close contact with David, regularly giving him advice and encouragement. The work was completed within a couple of months, and has enabled David and his wife to continue to care for each other and remain in their own home.
Mrs Cherry McCubbin, Senior Occupational Therapist, Christchurch Day Hospital, Dorset
Cherry was nominated by a colleague for her work with Elsie Graham. At the age of 91, Elsie had a nasty fall, breaking her wrist in two places. Elsie could no longer use her walking aid, and her confidence was badly affected.
Elsie was referred to Cherry through the Accidents & Emergency Unit of Christchurch Day Hospital. Cherry spent time with Elsie and her carers, offering advice to reduce the risk of future falls, and developing a specific programme of treatments to help Elsie to walk independently again with her walking aid. She also helped Elsie to find a residential home, where she now enjoys a much better quality of life than before her fall.
Miss Annie Brozaitis, Senior 1 Occupational Therapist, Frenchay Children’s Centre, Bristol
Annie is co-founder of ‘The Therapy Space’ – an independent occupational therapy service for children with sensory motor difficulties. She was nominated for the award by the parents of Ben Morris and by a colleague. Ben, aged five, suffers from learning difficulties and behavioural disorders. At the time of his referral to Annie, he was experiencing many problems at school, where his lack of tolerance towards others made him a difficult pupil.
Ben and his parents joined Annie’s classes on Saturday mornings at The Therapy Space, participating in games and role-playing, developing physical and mental adeptness, as well as oral and written skills. The classes have helped the parents to feel better equipped to deal with their son’s issues, improving his communication skills, physical co-ordination, general attitude and tolerance towards other children.
Miss Allison Dick, Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Orchard House Child Development Centre, Chichester
Allison works with children with physical, developmental, sensory, learning and behavioural difficulties. She was nominated for the award by the parents of Ciaran Maunder (aged two), and the parents of Sean O’Sullivan (aged three).
Ciaran has cerebral palsy, and had limited use of his left arm and hand. Sean suffers from restricted growth (dwarfism). Both children have benefited hugely from participating in fun activities organised by Allison, gaining greater physical co-ordination and independence.
