Occupational therapy
* Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independence in all aspects of daily life.
About the service
The occupational therapy service is a joint initiative between North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) and North Tyneside Council, working closely with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (responsible for the hospitals in North Tyneside).
The service combines both health and local authority services and consists of:
- Occupational therapists
- Technical instructors
- Occupational assessment officers
- Rehabilitation officers
- Occupational therapy assistants.
- Adaptation and loan equipment service
- Support staff
Occupational therapy services are for residents within North Tyneside or those people accessing healthcare in North Tyneside who need help to overcome or adapt to illness or disability or who require access to specialist services. We aim to enable people with physical, mental and social issues of all ages to be as independent as possible in their everyday lives whilst recovering from or adapting to illness or disability.
How can I access the service?
Each service area has its own specific criteria for access. There are various ways in which people can access the service. People can:
- self refer, by telephoning 0191 643 2777
- carers and GP’s can refer, by telephoning 0191 643 2777
- members of the primary health care team can refer e.g. district nurses, consultants and social workers.
Contact details
Duty officers are the first point of contact for people in the community who wish to refer themselves or someone else in to the service. They can be contacted on: 0191 643 2777.
Patients in hospital are referred directly by ward staff to an identified therapist. People wishing to contact the service for anything other than a referral should contact 0844 811 8111 and ask for occupational therapy at North Tyneside Hospital.
