Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists (OTs) in virtual wards support patients to manage their health conditions at home while still receiving hospital‑level oversight. They carry out home‑based functional assessments, identifying challenges such as mobility issues, falls risks, and difficulties with daily activities. They deliver tailored interventions including equipment provision, self‑management strategies, rehabilitation exercises, and patient/carer education to maintain independence and prevent avoidable hospital admissions.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, OTs contribute expertise linking health conditions with functional performance, ensuring care plans are holistic and patient‑centred. Their dual training in physical and mental health allows them to address a broad spectrum of patient needs, from mobility and breathlessness to cognitive or emotional challenges. Overall, OTs play a crucial role in helping patients live safely and independently at home within the virtual ward model

Occupational Therapists in virtual wards support patients to receive hospital‑level care at home by taking referrals —including those received through Netcall digital systems, which streamline patient communication and referral pathways —before carrying out home‑based assessments to identify functional challenges such as mobility issues, falls risks, and difficulties with daily activities. They provide tailored interventions including equipment, advice, education, and self‑management techniques to help patients maintain independence and prevent avoidable hospital admissions. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, they contribute clinical insights that guide coordinated care planning, applying their dual physical and mental health training to address a wide range of patient needs.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country – one of the country’s most culturally diverse areas. It’s a friendly and welcoming place – a place where you can belong, and a place where you can grow.

We care for our patients, we care about our population, and we care about our people.

Our values – Ambition, Respect and Compassion – are at the heart of who we are. They guide us every step of the way; how we work with each other, and how we look after our patients and their families; how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and our community.

Our

Trust has always aspired to be more than a hospital, more than a healthcare provider. Our purpose is to “Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population.” It is what inspires, drives, and unites us every day. It’s what makes us unique.

We want working at SWB to feel like more than just a job. We want our Trust to be a place where you can feel you belong. A place where you feel happy, safe, and rewarded. A place where you can develop your career in whatever way you choose. When we say we’re ‘with you all the way’ we want you to know that we mean it. Visit the SWB website to find out more about our ambitions and people plans.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Adam McManus Job title: Service Manager Email address: adam.mcmanus@nhs.net Telephone number: 07483487762