Acute Care Therapy Team
The Acute Care Therapy Team (ACTT) offers a varied placement in a fast paced acute setting. Our team provides services within the speciality of the Urgent and Emergency Care Division. The areas we cover include the Emergency Department, Emergency Management Unit, Short Stay Unit, Frailty Ambulatory Bay, the frailty ward and frailty patients on Durrant ward. Our main focus is to avoid unnecessary admissions to the hospital by facilitating an effective discharge, or to reduce length of stay for patients.
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The team comprises both Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, along with support staff (band 3 and 2). We work generically and use shared skills to offer a seamless journey for our patients.
Knowledge and Skills
Students will be expected to have a basic knowledge of:
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Frailty and the associated conditions, including delirium, falls, immobility, incontinence and susceptibility to side effects of medication
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Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
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Frailty Models
Day 1
Please contact your educator at least 2 weeks beforehand to arrange a pre-placement visit and send your CV to them.
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OT uniform should be worn with flat, black shoes.
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Directions : Click here for directions and map of the hospital. The site is accessible via public transport.
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Student working hours
The service runs 7 days a week from 08:00 – 20:00 (Monday- Friday), 08:30-18:30 (Weekends and Bank Holidays)
Learning Opportunities
On this placement you will have the opportunity to assess patients and take a lead in discharge planning.
You will complete mobility and stair assessments, transfer assessments, identify care needs, provide equipment, assess pressure care needs and patient’s cognitive abilities and offer suitable recommendations for discharge pathways and refer on to relevant services.
You will also have the opportunity to work as part of the MDT to be involved in the decision making and planning process to enable an effective and timely discharge.
You will gain an in depth insight to the therapy provision to ED and the assessment units and how this is managed on a day to day basis.
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There will be opportunity:
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To perform appropriate subjective and objective examinations.
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To be able to identify problems and set realistic discharge plans.
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Educate, facilitate and encourage to build patients confidence
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Ensure a relevant, effective occupational therapy intervention and timely discharge
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Learning Outcomes
On completing this placement you should be able to:​
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Assess, identify problems and formulate discharge plans.
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Gather thorough details regarding a patient’s social history.
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Prioritise patients and plan your working day accordingly.
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Take an active role in the MDT and communicate effectively within it.
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Understand the process and the factors to consider to facilitate an effective discharge.
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Demonstrate an awareness of the need to refer to other services where appropriate, and complete the referral process.