Joel Crosland: A Decade of Dedication in Occupational Therapy
Insights - 4/11/25
My understanding of the vital role of occupational therapists deepened when I began working as a healthcare assistant on a stroke rehabilitation ward. Initially, I had considered pursuing a degree in Nursing; however, witnessing firsthand the significant impact that occupational therapists had on patients’ recovery journeys inspired me to apply for the Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Bradford.
I began my occupational therapy career in 2010 at York Hospital as a rotational Band 5 Occupational Therapist, gaining experience across a range of clinical areas including acute elderly care, trauma and elective orthopaedics, surgical wards, inpatient mental health, and community rehabilitation. Each rotation presented its own challenges, but collectively they helped shape my clinical knowledge, professional development, and confidence in practice.
While I enjoyed all aspects of my rotations, I found community work particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to observe the full occupational therapy process and engage in meaningful, collaborative goal setting with patients. My first community role, also as a Band 5, provided the opportunity to work alongside Band 6 therapists in developing a new rapid response rehabilitation service. In this role, I contributed to establishing an induction and training programme for Generic Support Workers, developed role-specific competencies, trialled both generic and OT-specific documentation, and actively promoted the service within the local area.
I secured my first Band 6 position within a community stroke service that included an Early Supported Discharge (ESD) component. In this role, I provided intensive and longer-term stroke-specific rehabilitation to patients within their home environments, focusing on collaborative and person-centred SMART goals. The ESD aspect of the service facilitated earlier hospital discharges by enabling patients to continue their rehabilitation at home, promoting independence and continuity of care. This experience allowed me to work closely with individuals on meaningful, goal-oriented interventions and to witness their progress in real-life contexts, reinforcing the value of holistic, patient-centred rehabilitation.
Every member of the Somek team I have engaged with has been approachable and supportive, and I now feel much more confident in my medico-legal report writing.
Joel Crosland, Occupational Therapist & Expert Witness
I transitioned from stroke services to a community response and rehabilitation team closer to home, where I have now worked for over eight years. The service focuses on preventing hospital admissions and facilitating early supported discharges for patients with a range of conditions, including falls, trauma and elective orthopaedics, post-surgical recovery, stroke, and other complex presentations.
As an Occupational Therapist, my role involves developing and implementing person-centred, goal-oriented rehabilitation programmes to support recovery, promote independence, and reduce the risk of hospital readmission. I undertake comprehensive holistic assessments, evaluate patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living through detailed task analysis, and assess for both minor and major environmental adaptations. I also complete cognitive assessments to support functional and safety-based decision-making.
This role is highly varied and dynamic, offering new challenges each day. It requires adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to ‘think on my feet’—aspects of the role that I particularly enjoy and find professionally rewarding.
I began working with Somek and Associates just over a year ago, alongside my current NHS role. The flexibility of my shift work allows me to dedicate sufficient time to my medico-legal responsibilities. Although I had no prior experience in this field, the positive testimonials from associates, clients, and solicitors on the Somek website inspired me to take on the challenge.
Since joining, I have found the experience both rewarding and professionally enriching. The comprehensive training and mentorship provided have greatly enhanced my confidence and enabled me to produce high-quality, professional reports. Working within the medico-legal sector has also broadened my skill set and provided valuable insight into a new and stimulating area of practice. Every member of the Somek team I have engaged with has been approachable and supportive, and I now feel much more confident in my medico-legal report writing. I look forward to continuing to develop my expertise and to challenge myself further in both my roles.