The next generation of Occupational Therapists are helping people achieve, grow & flourish

The next generation of Occupational Therapists (OT) discovered how to be an A-grade practitioner at their annual conference, held on Friday (22 September).

Inspirational key note speakers led the day and Dr Karen Beaulieu, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of Northampton and Hilary Wetherell, from OT course partner and research sponsor, Irwin Mitchell solicitors.

The University of Northampton’s Fiona Burbeary, Debbie Hewson and Anne Segalini presented findings from their Institute of Learning and Teaching project, examples of course work were discussed by current students with their peers and invited guests and research prizes went to students Victoria Eglinton and Joseph Wollaston.

Occupational Therapy student research winners.

Speakers also included James Cameron and Adam Marchantt-Wincott from Mission Motorsport.

The event also saw the winners of a photography competition, of “Capturing the Essence of Occupational Therapy”, announced. The images will be used in future promotional material for the OT course here at University of Northampton.

Nuriya Pochee scooped first prize in the student category and won £100 for by snapping normal household items through the prism of a pair of spectacles.

First prize in the qualified OT category went to Claire Broughton who was photographed helping a service user express her emotions during a painting exercise.

Nuria Pochee (top) and Claire Broughton (bottom) took award winning photographs.

From the conception of an OT programme in 1938 at St Andrews’ Hospital, the programme moved to the University of Northampton in 1998. It is now rated within the top ten within the UK.

Sue Griffiths, who has headed the University of Northampton’s OT course since 2007 handed over to her successor Roshni Khatri at the event as she retired after 22 years at the University of Northampton.

Sue qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1981 and practiced as such for 14 years across physical and mental health services before moving into OT education in 1995.

Handing over the baton: Outgoing OT lead Sue Griffiths and new OT lead Roshni Khatri.

During her tenure at Northampton she has overseen the move from St. Andrew’s and led on many changes to the course, including the development of a part-time route and opening up opportunities to international students, in particular those from India, Saudi and Canada.

Reflecting on her time at Northampton and her post-retirement plans, Sue said: “OT education in Northampton has a long history and I am very proud to have been a part of it. I have really enjoyed my time working with staff and students at the University of Northampton and wish them every success as they move into Waterside. Occupational therapy and education is in my soul and as I move into this new phase of life I have some ideas up my sleeve, but a few holidays first!”

Roshni Khatri has worked at the University of Northampton since 2003 and was appointed to the post of Subject Lead last month. Her background saw her working in acute hospitals within the area of neurological rehabilitation.

Commenting on her new role with University of Northampton, she said: “I step into impressive footprints as I take up the reigns from Sue Griffiths, but she leaves behind her an OT course that is not only one of the longest established in the UK, but one of the best on offer in the UK, particularly in terms of the opportunities we offer for our students to put their OT skills to the test in the community before they graduate. I’m looking forward to developing Sue’s great work over the coming months and years.”

For more details about the OT course at UoN.

For more information about our advance OT course.