What does your day look like from sunrise to sunset?

My day starts in the office liaising with the team, planning joint visits with therapists, completing admin tasks, following up on discharges as well as checking the team inbox for referrals to process. I then complete around 3-4 patient visits before returning to the office for my lunch and completing my progress notes for the visits made. Finally, I check the stroke team inbox and follow up on referrals and other emails before signing off.

How does your service support the residents of south east London?

Our service supports Lewisham residents post-stroke to increase their upper and lower limb strength, balance and mobility to their pre-stroke baseline. We also offer therapy sessions to help patients reach their goals and targets. We encourage self-directed practice and ensure patients feel in control of their exercise plan.

What’s the best way of explaining your role in the team?

I work in a multidisciplinary team to deliver therapy. At times we may carry out sessions together, however, I often work alone to complete a patient’s home exercises. I supervise and teach patients methods to safely improve their balance, muscular strength and mobility amongst other skills.

Tell us about a time when you felt you made a difference to someone

Recently, I treated a deaf patient who had difficulty communicating. Whilst delivering therapy I could tell something was wrong, she struggled to do previously completed exercises. I escalated this to the Urgent Care Response Team who assessed her at home and had to admit her back to hospital. I am glad I was there to advocate for her care.

What do you love about your role?

I love the level of autonomy I get in my role. Within the team my experience and opinion is drawn upon and valued. Additionally, in my day-to-day I can use my own judgement to prioritise and tailor my work in order to meaningfully aid my patient’s recovery and wellbeing. Every day is busy and no two days are the same.

What advice would you give to someone starting in this role or keen to work in a similar service?

To succeed in this role and service you must be prepared to take ownership and be a team player; we all chip in and do our bit to deliver for our patients. Additionally, patience and flexibility is key, as we often adapt our plans to meet the demands of the service.