About me
“I’m Jackie, Occupational Therapist for The Good Care Group. I joined the company in 2017.
“I qualified as an occupational therapist in 1984 and have worked in the NHS for nearly 40 years. My roles have included working in Older Persons Community Mental Health teams and Integrated Community Care teams, working alongside district nurses and physiotherapists.
“As the company’s Occupational Therapist, I provide expertise in complex mobility and transfer needs for our clients and falls prevention advice and support. I work alongside Jane – our Consultant Admiral Nurse – as part of the Specialist Care Service which supports our clients with more complex and acute care needs. We work closely with our care managers and carers to ensure that our clients receive the most appropriate level of care to meet their needs.
“I have always enjoyed working face-to-face with clients, enabling them to remain as independent as possible, to reach their full potential and to ensure that they are safe and receive the best possible care. I also feel it is so important to work alongside family members, providing both psychological and physical support where appropriate.
“I am a carer for my husband who is disabled, so I feel that I have a level of empathy and shared experiences with our clients and their family.”
Qualifications and experience
Jackie received her Diploma in Occupational Therapy in 1984. She worked in the NHS for 15 years in an Older Persons Community Mental Health Team providing Occupational Therapy for patients living with mental health conditions and dementia. Where she focussed on her patients recovery and reablement, supporting them with activity planning, assessment of functional skills and equipment provision to facilitate safer daily living activities.
She then became the team leader for an Integrated Community Care team, managing a team of nurses, therapists and support workers supporting patients with both their physical and mental health conditions.
Jackie is registered with The Health Care Professionals Council (HPCP). A member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Jackie has completed her EDGE Services Moving and Handling Train the Trainer Course (refresher completed 2022).
She is part time lecturer at Brunel University, teaching clinical skills to the Occupational Therapy students and supporting them in their clinical placements.
Jackie is Commissioned as an Anna Chaplain in Southampton supporting older people with their spiritual needs and helping to combat loneliness and isolation.
During her time at The Good Care Group, Jackie was nominated for the Outstanding Occupational Therapy Leadership Innovation Award at the Occupational Therapy Show 2018. She was Highly Commended for her work that she does with clients, their loved ones and care staff at The Good Care Group.