Ruth Steel, Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as an OT in 1999 and since then I have gained experience in a variety of clinical settings working with both adults and older people. This includes,orthopaedics, oncology, respiratory conditions, brain injury, stroke, surgical rehabilitation, general medicine, elderly care, falls and also with bariatric patients. I also have experience working as a Case Manager and am currently working full-time as an independent Occupational Therapist.

I have worked extensively rehabilitating patients, as well as identifying support for those living with permanent disabilities. My input has included housing adaptations, prescribing equipment and formulating treatment plans aligned with client goals. I have a special interest in complex manual handling assessments, and supporting an active lifestyle for clients with mobility impairments.

I have carried complex clinical caseloads whilst working in both hospital and community settings and have also gained significant leadership and management experience, including as the head of an inpatient therapy service and as the professional lead for occupational therapy, across one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK.

I am highly experienced in assessing for and prescribing a variety of smaller and larger assistive devices in order to restore/maintain service user's independence. I have also been involved in designing and overseeing major adaptation work including flush floor showers and modified extensions to properties.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.