Occupational therapy is an important service to help patients during and after treatment for cancer. Occupational Therapists assist people in managing the limitations caused by illnesses, including cancer.
Limitations may include:
- Physical Difficulties
- Psychological Difficulties
- Emotional Difficulties
Occupational therapists help in assessing how patients manage daily activities. This can include:
- Self-care
- Work
- Leisure
- Home/Domestic tasks
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What does the Occupational Therapy team do for cancer patients?
Occupational therapists may show patients different techniques or equipment to help them manage following cancer treatment and improve their quality of life.
The team may also order specific equipment for patients’ home or provide advice on where patients can hire or buy specialised equipment depending on their situation.
Safe management and achieving a good quality of life for patients are the core responsibilities for Occupational Therapists when delivering their treatment.
If patients are not able to manage independently, then assisting their carers to care for patients at home may be the focus of the Occupational Therapy. Every cancer patient will experience a different form of therapy as the treatment programmes are shaped to meet specific patient and carer needs.
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Referral
Patients attending the Cancer Centre can refer themselves or ask any member of staff within their medical team to do so.
The department is open to people of all ages.
How to contact us
Address:
Occupational Therapy Department, Level 1, Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB
Telephone: 028 95040158
Opening Hours
We are available between Monday and Friday within the times of 8:15am and 4:30pm.