October 27, 2025It’s Occupational Therapy Week across Australia, a time to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of Occupational Therapists (OTs) who empower people to live full, meaningful lives through the power of “doing.”
At Northern Health, we’re proud to celebrate our dedicated OTs who are the allied health professionals helping patients every day to regain independence, confidence, and quality of life through evidence-based, compassionate care.
Our Occupational Therapy services span acute, subacute and community care, supporting people across all stages of life and a wide range of health conditions. From the hospital ward to the home, OTs play a vital role in helping patients rebuild their ability to participate in the activities that matter most.
In paediatrics and the Targeted Acute Rehabilitation Program (TARP), our OTs step in where it counts—helping children develop essential life skills and supporting adults in recovery after injury or illness. Whether it’s developing fine motor abilities, supporting sensory regulation, or enabling adults to regain independence with everyday tasks, our OTs deliver goal-driven, personalised care that makes a lasting difference.
“As part of the Targeted Acute Rehab Program (TARP), I’ve had the privilege of providing intensive, daily rehabilitation to patients, helping reduce their hospital stay and promoting faster recovery. One particularly impactful experience involved working with a Medicare-ineligible patient who had suffered a stroke, which significantly impaired both her upper and lower limb mobility. I focused on upper limb therapy and task-specific retraining to improve coordination, strength and functional movement. Through consistent, intensive therapy, she achieved her goals and returned home with a high level of independence,” says Chris Campbell, Grade 2 Occupational Therapist (TARP).
Similarly, our paediatric OTs make an incredible difference to children and their families.
“As part of the paediatric team, I supported the development of a baby born prematurely and receiving care on the ward. This included promoting fine motor and play skills through therapeutic play sessions off the ward—helping the baby engage in typical occupations for their age. We also provided education for the mother to encourage ongoing development both in hospital and at home. We’re now actively involved in discharge planning, ensuring the family has the strategies and supports needed for a smooth transition and for the child to thrive at home,” added Eilish Feehan, Grade 2 Occupational Therapist (Paediatrics).
In our Mental Health Division, OTs deliver holistic, person-centred care across inpatient units, PARCs, community care units, and community mental health teams. They help people rebuild daily routines, strengthen emotional regulation, and re-engage with meaningful activities—supporting confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.
“As a new graduate OT, I’ve seen the real impact of occupational therapy in the mental health inpatient setting, particularly through sensory approaches. Supporting consumers to explore their sensory preferences and understand what these mean for their needs and emotions is powerful. Even simple strategies like introducing weighted modalities can create profound change. These tools not only support recovery during admission but also provide lasting strategies people can use beyond their hospital stay,” says Roslyn Jack, OT1 (Broadmeadows Inpatient Psychiatric Unit).
“Supporting consumers to re-engage with valued and meaningful activities after an acute period of mental ill health has shown me how vital activity is for overall wellbeing. Participation fosters social connection, builds a sense of self, and promotes recovery. In occupational therapy, the activity itself becomes both the therapy and the outcome. Taking time to explore what is meaningful, supporting a graded return, and mobilising supports demonstrates how central doing is to recovery. This is OT in action—empowering people to reconnect with what matters most and restore balance in their lives.”
Across Northern Health, our Occupational Therapists truly embody the spirit of OT Week, turning challenges into opportunities and helping people rebuild their lives with purpose and independence. This week, and every week, we thank our incredible OT team for making a difference through the power of “doing.”
