Services: Children's Occupational Therapy

Brief description:

The children’s Occupational Therapists (OT’S) provide advice, support, assessment and intervention for children ages 0-18 years and their families. The children we support may be having difficulties with the practical and social skills necessary for everyday activities (e.g. dressing, eating, schoolwork, play and leisure). There are two children’s OT’s and they work closely with parents, schools, nurseries, social work and other health professionals and agencies (e.g. Action for Children Scotland).

Location:

We mostly aim to see children in their own environment – home, nurseries, and schools. We also sometimes see children and families in other locations (e.g. hospital, health centre, Action for Children, leisure facilities) across the Western Isles, depending on the needs of the child. Our office is based in the Health Centre on Springfield Road, Stornoway.

Target group:

We work with children who may not be achieving their expected level of independence with daily activities, and/or are not functioning at their full potential, physically or socially. Some of the children will have a recognised disability (e.g. physical, sensory, learning) or diagnosis (e.g. Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder).

Referral process: We have an open referral system. Pre-referral discussion is encouraged by everyone to determine appropriateness and urgency of referral. That is to say, please contact us before making a referral, by phone or email. We are happy to provide general advice over the phone, if appropriate. Referrers are asked to use the Western Isles Inter-Agency Referral Form. We aim to see children as quickly as possible, however generally we do operate a waiting list. We prioritise referrals based on risks for that child. If at any stage throughout the OT process you have any questions or feedback, we encourage you to get in touch.