Overview

We help you resume everyday activities after illness or injury. Our occupational therapists work with people who have:

• functional, cognitive (issues related to mental processes, such as thinking and learning) and psychological conditions 
• social care issues

Occupational therapy is often confused with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is about diagnosing and treating problems with your movement. Occupational therapy is about understanding what's making it difficult to do the things that are important to you, and finding solutions. This can include things like getting dressed, eating, moving around your home and taking part in social activities.

We provide:

• support to perform everyday activities
• equipment
• cognitive and awareness assessments
• home assessments
• rehabilitation programmes
• education and support

Occupational therapists work across our ageing and health services. You might have occupational therapy as part of your care in our:

• falls clinic
• memory clinic
• comprehensive geriatric assessment clinic, to assess people whose ability to do daily activities has got worse
• geriatric oncology liaison development (GOLD) service, for people having cancer treatment aged 55 or over
• perioperative medicine for older people having surgery (POPS) clinic
• older persons assessment unit, helping people to improve their health and wellbeing 
• older person's unit, for inpatient care in St Thomas' Hospital

Our children's occupational services are managed at Evelina London.

Our hand therapy service offers treatment and support for hand injuries and hand conditions.

Research and clinical trials

Research is vital to improving the care that you receive when you're unwell. You can help improve healthcare by taking part in research studies at our Trust. During your appointment, ask your healthcare professional about research. They'll be happy to tell you about research studies you could be eligible to join.