Occupational Therapy aims to work with people to maximise their function in all their activities of daily living and the things that matter most to them. The term “Occupation” is used to define these activities and includes leisure, self-care and work. Independence in these areas can allow a person to feel value in their roles, a sense of identity and a feeling of self-reliance.   

At St Luke’s the Occupational Therapists focus on breaking down the barriers to these “Occupations” be they physical, psychological or environmental and use a wide variety of interventions working directly in partnership with people to achieve goals that are meaningful to them.   

These interventions include using activity to promote emotional wellbeing and provide a sense of purpose, as well as reduce social isolation and promote inclusion. This can take a number of forms ranging from the provision of equipment to maximise physical function to coping strategies and techniques to promote positive mental health. Examples of this include the Creative Activities, and the Therapy Through Nature group as well as individual anxiety management, energy conservation and practicing activities of daily living.  

In addition, the Occupational Therapists assist with the non-pharmacological management of Fatigue, Breathlessness and Anxiety and provide techniques and strategies to manage these difficult symptoms (see the FAB group section).  

The Occupational Therapists work across a number of settings including on the Inpatient Unit, in one to one clinics and in the community in order to enhance meaningful occupation for people across as many environments as possible.

Understanding and Managing Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) group.

This group is a five week programme for people experiencing all or a combination of fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness as part of their palliative condition.  

The group helps attendees to understand their symptoms and learn ways to manage these with the aim of achieving the best quality of life. The sessions also provide the opportunity to share experiences with and gain support from other group participants.  

The sessions include taught and practical content and opportunity for discussion. A family member or friend is encouraged to attend.  

The group is led by the Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Nurse Team, and runs on Thursday mornings at our Little Common Lane site. 

Our Wellbeing team's aim is to help patients manage the following symptoms, Anxiety / Stress/ Agitation, Depression / Low Mood, Breathlessness, Pain, Constipation, Nausea, Fatigue, Insomnia. 

Following an assessment, patients may be offered Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Hairdressing, Nail Care and Psychological/ Emotional Support. We also offer bespoke groups to support with a skin care regime following cancer treatment, where patients can access education of the changes that can happen to the skin and face.

We aim to support patients physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, with a focus of offering a space with no agenda and supporting emotional distress and management of physical symptoms. We listen, giving the patient a chance to tell their story with no solutions or judgement and provide companionship during the sessions, as we embody the need for kindness and compassion in difficult times. We provide advice and support throughout our sessions and promote self-care where possible. We aim to enhance patient’s sense of control and give back their power. 

Our Wellbeing team see patients in all our care settings, including the In-Patient Centre, Patient and Family Services as well as seeing patients in the community. We provide a 5 day a week service Monday through to Friday.

We understand that as someone becomes less well it can become harder, and more unsafe for someone to bathe or shower at home. Our bathing service offers patients the chance to safely enjoy a relaxing spa bath in the comfort of our spa room, where mood lighting and music is available. Our friendly bathing staff will be on hand to assist you with as much or as little help as you require.