Course Leader BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

I am an Occupational Therapist and the course lead for the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course at the University.

I have clinical experience working across a wide range of physical and mental health settings. I have worked in acute and community settings always with a person-centred focus, which is at the centre of occupational therapy.

I started my career on the traditional route in a wide range of rotational experiences. These were Orthopaedics (including the specialism Ilizarov), spinal injuries, cardiac rehabilitation, respiratory, general adult wards, older people’s rehabilitation, and traumatic head injuries.

I moved into dementia clinical care and this was working in secure wards for individuals with a diagnosis of advanced dementia. Including developing a memory assessment service in a community setting in collaboration with commissioners and GP practices.

Here the significance of “seeing the person” away from their diagnosis was vital to their care and their needs.

I have worked with individuals with a diagnosis of Personality disorder, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia and self-harm. Having a recovery focus is essential to these client groups and listening to their needs.

Early in my career I valued the importance of linking in with organisations that were relevant to my profession. Being actively involved in research, I applied for and I was elected an executive committee member for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for mental health. In this role I am the Editor of the newsletter publication which can be accessed by Occupational Therapists as a tool for networking, evidence- based practice and being an ambassador for the profession.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) occupational therapy
• MSc dementia
• Clin Scholar
• SonaS Practitioner
• Life story trainer

Teaching role

I am responsible for the teaching and the co-ordination of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy course.

I have written courses for Recovery Academies, universities teaching occupational therapy and for Living Well with Dementia.

Research interests

My research interests focus on later life living well and conditions such as dementia. My specialism is dementia and this was the driver for completing a MSc in dementia. On a personal note my Mother had dementia and my proudest moment was her being at my graduation and the happy memories that I have.

• Dementia
• Mental health services
• Later life services
• Life story
• Occupation and gardening
• Safe walking technologies
• Telecare solutions

Service to the Academic and professional community

• HCPC registered
• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section Mental Health and on the Executive Committee as the Editor of the newsletter
• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section Older People
• Member of Council of Occupational Therapists Education Directors (COTED)
• Member of Practice Placement Tutors Forum (PPTF)
• Member of Occupational Therapy Admissions Forum (OTAF)
• Member of Word Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
• Member of UK Occupational Therapy Research Foundation (UKOTRF)
• Member of European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE)

Poster presentations

• Severe dementia and the value of gardening, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference.
• The LACL and dementia assessment, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference and the Specialist Section Mental Health Conference.
• The Memory Activity Treatment Guide (MATG), Royal College of Occupational Therapists Conference and the North West Occupational Therapy Conference.

Publications

Page S, Bithel, K. 2015 The Memory Activity Treatment Guide (MATG) UK, Astrid Johnson Publisher.

Contact details

E: sarah.page@beds.ac.uk