Amy Speight, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2009 and I specialise in adults with physical disabilities. I work as an occupational therapy advanced practitioner for the NHS, and clinical lead for a private rehabilitation provider, in the field of amputation and limb difference.

In my NHS role, I lead a team of therapy staff within a specialist outpatient setting, in-reaching into acute hospital wards and rehabilitation settings and visit adults and children, with all levels of upper and lower limb difference or amputation, in their own homes, at school and at work. I facilitate post-amputation rehabilitation, holistic, functional and vocational assessments, and identify appropriate rehabilitation and support pathways. I support the prescription of appropriate prosthetics and daily living equipment, and train people in the use of these technologies. I provide lifelong care, in this service and review individuals needs and goals throughout different stages of life.

In addition, I provide support, on an ad hoc basis, the medical and surgical wards and regularly see a range of conditions including cancer, dementia, chronic and acute respiratory and cardiology conditions, liver disease, vascular conditions, rheumatology, orthopaedic conditions, trauma, colorectal surgery, gastroenterology, women's health, and diabetes. I specialised across these fields for many years prior to taking up my current role. My previous roles have also provided me with experience of assessing and reviewing social care packages, and supporting individuals with acute mental health needs.

In my work with a private rehabilitation provider, I am the clinical lead for amputation and limb difference, overseeing all amputation cases that the company receives. I also carry my own clinical caseload, deliver activity-based intervention to restore function and source and co-ordinate the MDT for adult and paediatric clients. I ensure that the are working to achieve what is important to the client; including returning to work, caring for a loved one, reducing their pain, or successfully engaging in education.

I have significant experience in assessing and implementing intervention regarding individuals’ activities of daily living, cognitive function, home environment, and educational and social circumstances, in order to maintain or regain independence or access appropriate care, support and equipment.

Professional Development

Alongside my busy clinical roles, I am co-director for a non-profit organisation, offering inclusive and accessible therapy groups in local communities, and provide vital peer support opportunities to help those living with long-term conditions/disabilities.

I am co-chair for the Prosthetic and Amputee Rehabilitation Forum for the Royal College of Occupational Therapy.

I have recently completed a research fellowship through the Chief Allied Health Professional’s Fellowship Award via the National Rehabilitation Centre. I researched the impact of upper limb amputation, completing a systematic literature review on the patient experience following upper limb loss, and I was further sponsored to present a case series on the use of myoelectric prosthetic devices with multiple limb loss cases.

I was recently awarded an Excellence in Education Award for my work offering learning opportunities to pre-registration occupational therapy students.

I consistently engage in opportunities for development across all professional pillars of practice and maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.