The Primary Care Occupational Therapy Service is based within GP surgeries across Bellshill and Hamilton locality areas.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) help you to manage everyday activities (occupations) that you are finding difficult, for example:
- at home – dressing and personal care needs, housework, cooking and participating in hobbies and leisure roles
- at work – support with returning to or maintaining paid work, carer roles, accessing volunteering opportunities and education
- in the community – using public transport, shopping, socialising or being physically active
These difficulties may be due to changes in your health, such as:
- Anxiety
- Falls or fear of falling
- Pain
- Low mood
- Work-life balance
- Stress
- Frailty
- Memory issues
- Fatigue
How could occupational therapy help me?
- We will give you time to talk about the difficulties you are experiencing with everyday activities
- We find out what matters to you and set realistic goals together
- We offer practical support, education and advice to help you manage your health and be able to do the activities that you need or want to do
How do I access Primary Care Occupational Therapy?
There are two ways you can access your occupational therapist:
- Fill in a form which you can ask for at your GP surgery.
- Telephone our hub on 01698 755175 and speak to one of our admin staff or leave a message with your contact details.
Please note: The Primary Care Occupational Therapy service can support anyone aged 16 or over who is registered with GP practice in Bellshill and Hamilton with the exception of:
- Young people who are still at school
- People already receiving Occupational Therapy input from another service
What should I expect?
- Once we receive your referral, an occupational therapist will telephone you to find out if Primary Care OT is the right service for you. We may direct you to another service if this would best meet your needs.
- If we feel occupational therapy could meet your needs, we will arrange a longer appointment to get to know you better and find out what matters to you.
- We will discuss your health, the difficulties you are experiencing, your routine, roles, interests and goals. We may also use formal assessments to help us plan your treatment programme.
- Your OT appointments may take place at your GP surgery, over the phone, via a video call or in your own home.