An introduction to the Occupational Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation Service

Contact Us

For more details contact:

Occupational Therapy Department Western Isles Hospital, Macaulay Road, Stornoway,

Isle of Lewis, HS1 2AF. Tel: 01851 708287

or

Occupational Therapy Department Social Work Department, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar,

Balivanich, Benbecula Tel: 01870 604984

We are listening - how did we do?

We welcome your feedback, as it helps us evaluate the services we provide. If you would like to tell us about your experience:• speak to a member of staff• visit our website www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/feedback or share

your story at - www.careopinion.org.uk or 0800 122 31 35• Tel. 01851 704704 (ext 2408) on a Tuesday and Friday

afternoon between 1pm and 4pm.

Version: 4 Review Date: March 2020Produced by: Occupational Therapy Department, Western Isles Hospital.

DisclaimerThe content of this leaflet is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.

Bòrd SSN nan Eilean SiarNHS Western Isles

Occupational Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation

© NHS Western Isles, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018. All rights reserved.

We provide the following services:

• assessment and treatment of the person to maximise their ability to work.

• assessment of home and work environments and recommendations for equipment or adaptations that will support the person to keep working.

• provision of information and links to other key resources that may support them, e.g. other professionals, other agencies (Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Healthy Working Lives), equipment resources, information about their health condition or information about legislation that may support them.

• complete Allied Health Professional advisory fitness for work reports for employees, employers or doctors.

Referral to the serviceReferrals can be made by individuals, or, with the person’s permission, a referral can be made by an employer, family member or health professional.

Please see our contact details overleaf.

Service InformationThe Occupational Therapy Service helps a person to identify physical or mental health issues which may cause them difficulty in tasks either at their work, in their home, or in the community.

We consider carefully all the influencing factors in a person’s daily activities, and work in partnership with the person to try and find solutions to problems they are experiencing.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?Vocational Rehabilitation is a process which helps a person with a health problem remain in work, or prepare to get back to work after illness or injury.

Within occupational therapy, work is considered to include paid employment and unpaid employment. For example, unpaid employment can include volunteering, studying, crofting, housework, gardening, and leisure activities.

We work with other professionals and agencies to ensure that a person’s needs are being met and that they get the best out of vocational rehabilitation.