This Allied Health Professionals Day we wanted to shine a spotlight on just some of our hard working and passionate AHPs to celebrate their professions and showcase to others the impact they make to the delivery of high quality care.

We got speaking to our Occupational Therapist, Aaron to learn more about his career in Occupational Therapy and the most challenging aspects of his role.

Why did you choose Occupational Therapy as a career path?

I chose OT because it allows me to help enable people to participation in the occupations – meaningful activities – that people personally find valuable and contribute to their overall well-being, while paying attention to the broader social context in which they occur.

What do you enjoy most about being an Occupational Therapist?

The satisfaction I get from doing just that, as well as advocating for patients’ values within clinical settings.  Though I also enjoy being able to work across physical and mental health!

What are the most challenging aspects of your job role?

The pace when social circumstances change – we can find patients’ home situations breaking down and having to rapidly assess needs for a new housing situation.

How have you found the experience of working as an OT during the pandemic?

I feel I started after the worst of it, so I can’t say I’ve had it as difficult as some!  For me it’s been mostly about risk management while trying to run OT groups on and off the ward.

What did you like most about working with Direct Medics?

Very helpful from when I first contacted them, and anytime I’ve had any questions or issues it’s been sorted quickly either by the manager or by someone else on the team.

What did you enjoy most about locum work?

I enjoyed being able to choose the job role – normally as a Band 5 you don’t have this kind of choice – and it’s been useful to gain experience in the areas I’m particularly interested in.

Thank you to Aaron and all other Allied Health Professionals for their constant hard work and dedication to care especially throughout the recent pandemic.

If you are interested in learning more about Allied Health Opportunities in Northern Ireland or England, please visit our jobs board or contact our AHP team on 028 9059 0077.