How can occupational therapy help me?

Occupational therapists specialise in 'function' for everyday tasks. This means:

  • Personal care
  • Domestic tasks
  • Social engagement
  • Hobbies
  • Supporting or caring for another
  • Work-related tasks

We will work with you and set personal goals. We will support you with what matters to you. We consider physical, mental and emotional aspects. 

We can support you throughout your treatment. We have an open referral system so you can get in touch if your needs change. We offer home and clinic appointments.

  • Advice and education
  • Personalised advice to support independence in everyday activity
  • Self-help techniques to help with:
    • Sleep
    • Pain
    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Fatigue
  • Support with work-related difficulties, benefits and housing
  • Assessment of your home and possible adaptations
  • Assessment of equipment that could help you
  • Splints to support affected joints (hand function)
  • Sign-posting and referral to other services and organisations
  • Face-to-face and virtual group work

The rheumatology team can refer you when you are diagnosed or later. They will refer you if they feel occupational therapy would work for you.

You can also self-refer if:

  • You have an inflammatory condition
  • You are under the care of one of our rheumatologists

To self-refer, call:

  • 01670 529449 if you live in north, central, south Northumberland or North Tyneside
  • 01434 655632 if you live in west Northumberland

You will get a confirmation letter. This includes helpful information and signposting links while you wait.

We triage referrals daily. If you are deemed a priority, we will try to offer an earlier appointment.

We may see you in clinic or at a home visit. We try to offer the earliest available appointment. This may mean travelling to a hospital that is not your most local.

We will assess your condition. We will agree the right course of treatment for you. We will provide advice, suggestions and recommendations. We will signpost you to helpful information sources, agencies and organisations.

If visiting you at home, we will ask you to show us how you do the activities you find difficult. We will consider splints and exercises to support your joints. We will tell you about the groups we offer which could help you.

We may see you over several appointments. This could be until we have met the original goals or until you feel that you have no further needs.

If you can’t attend an appointment or it doesn't work for you, please get in touch. Call the appointment line on 0344 811 8118.

Rheumatology