Neurological Long Term Conditions For Professionals

What is the therapy service?

The Long term condition team consists of five Physiotherapist and four Occupational Therapist, one Orthoptist.

We are an Outpatient team who are based at the Walton Centre and see patients in a clinic setting.

Who can be referred to therapy service?

1. Patient’s care is under a Consultant at the Walton Centre
2. MS, Neuromuscular Conditions, Neuromyelitis Optica, please discuss a Motor Neurone  Disease diagnosis.

What clinics are available to refer to?

Therapy Clinic: Is a 45 minute appointment to discuss a range of difficulties or concerns that requires assessment from both an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

Occupational Therapy Clinic: In this clinic the patient will be seen by an Occupational Therapist, for a 45 minute appointment. The aim is to explore any difficulties they may have, with being able to participate in the activities that matter to them.

Physiotherapy Clinic: In this clinic the patient will be seen by a Physiotherapist, for a 45 minute  appointment. This may involve a physical assessment, exploration of any specific physical limitations, potential goals and treatment plans.

Employment Clinic: The patient will be seen for 1 hour by an Occupational Therapist.  The aim of this clinic is to support people who have expressed concerns regarding their current employment. Together will analyse the activities that you have to do and explore alternative ways of doing this if appropriate.  Education is also given about the Equality Act and your rights under this legislation. 

Orthoptic Clinic: A more detailed examination than in MDT clinic, with time to discuss symptoms and possible treatments.

Occupational Therapy

What is an Occupational Therapist?

The aim when working with people with long term condition is to provide practical  support to enable the patient  to  maintain their independence and overcome any barriers that prevent them from doing the occupations that are meaningful to them. The goal is for the patient to feel empowered to manage their long term condition.

What can an Occupational Therapist can address in a clinic setting?

1. Developing skills, knowledge and confidence in managing their condition to maintain participation in the activities they want to do and need to do.
2. Analysing where the patient is completing the task and if there are any barriers and ways to adapt this to continue to participate.
3. Consider how a patient is approaching completing an activity. This may or may not require a discussion about equipment.
4. Exploring ways to participate in an activity in the most effective way.
5. Providing symptom specific advice and education; for example fatigue, stress and relaxation, changes in function, memory impacting function, difficulties with work, driving.
6. Engaging in education and support to other health professionals.
7. Referral to local services if require assessment in their own home or other relevant services.

Physiotherapy

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

What can a Physiotherapist address in a clinic setting?

1. Assess and explain physical symptoms and how these can be managed proactively throughout the course of the condition.
2. Explore the use of certain orthotics and refer appropriately.
3. Help to manage falls risk.
4. Advice regarding walking aids.
5. Cueing strategies.
6. Manual therapies.
7. Advice on exercise for health and more specific exercises.
8. Education and support to other professionals.
9. Refer to local physiotherapy services if multiple treatment sessions are required or it is more appropriate for you to be seen in your own home.

Orthoptist

What is an Orthoptist?

A specialist in Neurological eye movement disorders and visual disturbances

What can an Orthoptist address in a clinic setting:

1. Carry out an assessment of the visual system and eye movements in relation to poor eyesight and / or double vision.
2. Explain the cause of the symptoms.
3. Reassurance if all is well.
4. Use temporary prisms to overcome double vision. Advise on adaptations to glasses.
5. Monitor course of any recovery.
6. Discuss and explain possible longer term management, involving many options eg medications, injections, surgery.
7. Refer for low vision aids and Visual Support team input.
8. Advise on driving (refer to Driving centres where appropriate).
9. Simply refer to local Optician.
10. Refer to local Ophthalmology department for ‘non neurological’ problems. 

How to refer to Orthoptist:

For a ward patient please refer via  internal referral to  C. Noonan

For outpatient or external please refer via clinic letter and send to F.Lynch

How do I refer to the therapist?

Send a copy of clinic letter or direct letter to LTC MS team or  Neuromuscular or MND  depending on condition or send specifically to therapist 2nd floor main building. If internal OT and PT happy to accept referrals via email: forename.surname@nhs.net

Occupational Therapy

Michelle Ennis -Mon,Tues,Wed,Thursday  Neuromuscular and Motor Neurone Disease OT

Rebecca Flesher—full time Neuromuscular and Motor Neurone Disease OT 

0151-556-3741

Fiona Roberts—Tues,Wed,Thurs—MS OT

Jennie Carter—full time—MS and NMO OT

0151-556-3742

 

Physiotherapy

Jenny Thain—Tues,Wed,Thurs,Friday—MS Physio

Helen Curran –Mon,Tuesday—MS Physio

Nicola Shoebottom— Full time—MS Physio

0151-556-3742

Nicola White Mon,Tues,Thursday—Muscle and Motor    Neurone Disease Physio

Thomas Green—Full time—Muscle and  Motor Neurone Disease Physio

0151-556-3742

Orthoptist

Francesca Lynch—Thurs,

0151-556-3742

Therapy Assistant

Janette Halliday

0151-556-3742/3741