Each month JustOT would like to recognise one of our locums for their personal achievement and commitment to the Occupational Therapy Service!

Name: Alix

Profession: Occupational Therapist

Where are you from? Perth, Australia

Current Locum Position? Band 6 Occupational Therapist in a rehab centre for children with brain injuries

Personal achievements within the role? I have definitely developed my professional skills in regards to rehab interventions for children with acquired brain injuries as it is such a specialist role. I have also learnt to work alongside and with various medical professionals (physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, play therapists, teachers, care staff) in delivering interventions based on the family’s goals for their child.

What do you enjoy about being a locum?The ability to work in various roles and teams which constantly challenge your professional and interpersonal skills. You learn so much from other therapists and the way they work with children and their families based on their model of service delivery and the types of resources available to them. It challenges you to be flexible and adaptive which are important attributes that all therapists should have.

I also love the opportunity to travel as a locum. As you are only on a casual basis so its much easier to choose when you want to travel without having to book it with the company months in advance.

Most memorable moment within your career?When I was able to secure funding from various charities, a specialised wheelchair, source a competent carer and meet various times with a school to adapt a class trip to Italy so that my client could attend with her friends. This is despite having cerebral palsy and the many transport and care issues that were attached to her condition! Initially she was told it would be nearly impossible for her to attend and she would need to stay at school. Being able to tell her parents and my client that it was going to happen and to see the look on their faces and their absolute shock and gratitude was a moment I will never forget. My client attended her school trip and had the time of her life!

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 items would you take?
1.) Books
2.) Wine
3.) My travel buddy Kelsie