14th October marks AHPs’ Day, a day that celebrates our incredible Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and the amazing impact they have on delivering high-quality care.
AHPs include professionals like Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Dieticians – key members of the healthcare team who make a real difference every day. We spoke to our brilliant St Barnabas team about why they chose to become Allied Health Professionals.
Sonia Dixon, Occupational Therapist
I realised my passion for helping others and initially pursued nursing until I observed an Occupational Therapist, inspiring me with the rewarding challenge of rehabilitation. I now find immense fulfilment in palliative care, where helping patients achieve short term goals makes a meaningful difference in their lives and of their families.
I chose to be an AHP as I wanted to play a part in helping people to live their lives as fully as possible. To treat, rehabilitate and improve someone’s life is very rewarding and a privilege.
Natalie McGann, Physiotherapist
Growing up, I was always interested in sport and health, and I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare sector. After completing a degree in Sport, Health, Exercise and Nutrition, I got a job as a Rehabilitation Support Worker at St Barnabas Hospice and I fell in love with the diverse role, which led me to make the decision to become a Physiotherapist.
I chose to be an AHP as I wanted to promote and support people to achieve their personal goals and live their life to the full.
Helen Whitfield, Occupational Therapist
I chose to be an Occupational Therapist because I understand the value that being able to participate in a range of activities has on our mental and physical wellbeing. The profession offers opportunities to work across a range of physical, mental health and social care settings and it really is true “every day is a school day”.
We work with all kinds of people to overcome all kinds of challenges they may be facing in their life and helping someone maintain their independence is priceless. Working as part of the hospice team is rewarding and challenging. People often say to me “I don’t know how you do your job” but for me, it’s a privilege to be part of someone’s palliative journey and we make a difference every day, no matter how small.
I chose to be an AHP because I believe we are unique in how we assess and treat individuals in our care. We promote independence and use rehabilitation to help people achieve their goals. We work alongside other members of the multi-disciplinary team and our skills compliment those of our colleagues.
Michelle Johnson, AHP Lead & Physiotherapist
I had always loved dancing, sports and also being outdoors, and felt that Physiotherapy was the most relatable for me. I didn’t want to work in a gym, so started a role as Physio Assistant, then went onto complete the Physio Degree.
I have always enjoyed being creative, and wanted to have a job and role that allowed me to work with people and focus on what is important to them, but also allowed me to explore creativity within my role.
Physiotherapy is incredibly diverse, and can be used in many areas of specialisms. Also, I can be creative with how I work with people on their goals and activities, encouraging fun and focussed rehab. I closely work with likeminded colleagues, to really get the best out of what we try to offer and do.
Emma Wheatley, Clinical Operating Lead & Occupational Therapist
I always knew I wanted to work within the Health Care environment and that I wanted to do something that supported people during difficult times in their lives.Following some initial work experience in a hospital, I quickly realised that I wanted to be an Occupational Therapist. Understanding the person that you are working with, what makes them individual and being completed guided by them to establish their goals and what they want to achieve is so rewarding.
Occupational Therapy provides so many opportunities to work in different areas and use transferable skills. It’s the most amazing profession and a complete privilege to be part of. The skills gained working as an Occupational Therapist can also lead to so many career opportunities.
Sarah Christopher, Head of Education & Paramedic
When I joined the ambulance service in 1996, the term Allied Health Professional was not used. Paramedics were not registered with the HCOC until 2002, previously being registered with the CPSM.
As the profession has developed, the options for career diversification have become significant. I have worked in the front line NHS, technical rescue, event medicine, remote medicine, management, research and education.
The fast-paced, unpredictable and challenging environment of emergency care was what drew me to Paramedicine. No day is the same and the range of patients and conditions literally span the cradle to the grave.
To find out more about AHPs’ Day and this year’s themes and discussion, visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/ahps-day/.