This week we are celebrating Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) as part of AHPs Day.
We have over 900 registered and support AHPs with 11 of the 14 different allied health professions here at the trust, working across the divisions and a multitude of clinical pathways. By delivering care that is not only safe and of high quality, but also grounded in research evidence and innovation, AHPs, are the third largest clinical workforce in the NHS, who make a real difference for our patients and our colleagues.
A video message from our Chief Nurse and Director of Infection, Prevention and Control, Vikki Carruth:
The national focus for Allied Health Professionals’ Day this year is ‘Quality and Safety’ and how Allied Healthcare Professionals provide this to all patients. We spoke to our AHP staff around the organisation to get an idea of what they do every day – individually and together – to provide care to our patients.
Occupational Therapists (OT) help patients of all ages and abilities who have been affected by illness, disease or injury with everyday activities, so the patient can live their lives to the fullest. For example; OT’s will work with many of the AHP’s including Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Dietitians and Speech and Language Therapists to ensure that a patient with MND in our area have their needs met in a timely and coordinated manner, having regular MDT meetings, ensuring they experience excellent care and support.
Physiotherapists can assess, diagnose and treat patients through injury, illness and disease. They provide wide range of services dealing with patients in acute care but also longer-term chronic issues providing rehabilitation. One example of working together; Physiotherapists and OTs work closely within the hospital helping to assess patients and discharge them safely.
Speech and Language Therapists provide help for patients of all ages who have problems swallowing food and drink but also communication difficulties. The SALT team often work closely with the Dietitians when providing treatment for patients who have difficulties with eating, drinking or swallowing and need specialist dietary advice to provide the patient with the best nutritional outcome.
Dietitians assess patients with nutritional and dietary problems, then diagnosing and providing treatments. Dietitians sometimes work with the Podiatrists when providing diabetic care, ensuring patients are well educated about disease progression such as diabetic foot and have correct information about their diet with an aim to control their symptoms.
Diagnostic Radiographers provide medical imaging such as x-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI scans throughout all areas of the hospital 24 hours a day. They work with many of the AHP’s and sometimes work with the Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) in theatre, working together ensuring the best outcome for the patient.
Podiatrists provide medical expertise for the foot and ankle. They provide services in MSK, wound care and nail surgery. The Podiatrists provide a shockwave clinic alongside the Physiotherapists, helping to provide a quicker service for patients and cutting waiting times.
Orthoptists are expert practitioners in the diagnosis and management of eye movements and neurological ocular disorders. They work alongside the OTs and Physiotherapists within the stroke team through referrals, as they provide an initial assessment, they will then work together to provide a specialist opinion on how their vision issues may affect their recovery.
Orthotists help treat patients’ issues with bones, muscles and nerves in the back, foot and leg by providing devices fitted to the body to improve mobility and function, provide support, correct poor alignment, facilitate healing or reduce pain/discomfort. Physiotherapists and Podiatrists will refer to Orthotists if a patient needs a knee or foot orthotic device fitted which provides the best support for their needs.
Osteopaths assess, diagnose and provide manual treatment for patients of all ages with musculoskeletal conditions and pain. Osteopaths sometimes refer patients to Diagnostic Radiographers if they feel the patient needs a scan to check on positioning for any treatment provided or if there are red flags present.
Operating Department Practitioners assist within the theatre in three areas: anaesthesia, surgery and recovery. ODPs provide support for the patient, helping them feel comfortable and reassured on their journey through theatre.
Paramedics provide emergency care and first aid in medical emergencies. Paramedics work alongside many of the AHPs, especially Diagnostic Radiographers through referrals when a patient is brought into hospital providing quick service for emergency situations.
Without the array of AHPs working together and with our other clinical and support colleagues, the NHS wouldn’t be able to run the way it does!
Thank you to all of our AHPs for everything you do.
For more information visit – Allied health care professionals and support workers.