Celebrating our AHPs This month we’re highlighting our Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who all play a crucial role in treating, rehabilitating and improving the lives of our patients.
There are nine different AHP sectors working across our Trust, which includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, radiographers, operating department practitioners, podiatrists, prosthetists/ orthotists and orthoptists.
I work in Interventional Radiology Theatres with a great team of doctors, nurses and radiographers, where I perform the medical imaging for minimally invasive procedures. We often need to perform unplanned emergency procedures, so you never really know what your day is going to be like. Dietitians assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems plus create care plans to improve clinical outcomes, all with the aim of improving people’s health.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to see improvements in our patients’ health, some who may visit us on a regular basis. Emma Finnegan, Diagnostic Radiographer
“I specialise in supporting patients with diabetes and aspire to make a real difference in each patients’ care experience. One of the biggest rewards is knowing you have played an integral role in supporting a patient to make real positive changes to their longterm health. Hazel Cheung, Specialist Dietician
The North West Assistive Technology (NWAT) Team provides computer and phone access to patients with bilateral upper limb difficulties. This includes people with motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. “Providing those who can't use normal devices with access to the internet or a phone to keep in contact with loved ones, particularly during the pandemic, is really rewarding. Antonia McVeigh, Occupational Therapist for NWAT
Orthoptists diagnose and manage patients with disorders of binocular vision, and recently we are encompassing procedures and conditions normally managed by a medic. We support the sub specialities within Ophthalmology but also other specialities such as Neurology, Endocrinology and Stroke. “I enjoy the increasing diversity of our clinical workload at St Paul’s Eye Unit, as well as the camaraderie, and helping our patients get back to their daily activities. Jane Young, Orthoptist
10 | LUHFT Life
