Occupational therapists ensure a healthy future for the Gold Coast

Gold Coast clinicians are helping educate the occupational therapists (OTs) of the future with more than 30 students from Southern Cross University currently completing one-week placements in the Gold Coast Health Service District.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy students at Southern Cross University must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical placement in a variety of settings over the four years of their course.
Students will be attending in observational roles at the Gold Coast Hospital, Robina Hospital, Carrara Health Centre and a number of community based facilities.

A further 20 students will complete placements at John Flynn, Tweed, Lismore, Murwillumbah and Ballina Hospitals.

Carrara-based student Anna Lowry, who juggles her studies with being a mother of three and working part-time, said she was excited about her first placement working with OTs in the Adult Rehabilitation Unit of the Gold Coast Hospital.

“Previously I have worked in hospitality but I wanted to do something that would make a difference to the community and would achieve something positive,” said Anna.

“I like the diversity of occupational therapy – for example it can include paediatrics, working to rehabilitate adults who have had accidents or strokes, or helping to improve the quality of life for older people or those with mental health conditions.

“I am looking forward to seeing what the placements throughout my course have to show me about the possible areas I could go into, and I’m and very grateful for to the professional OTs who will be giving their time to help me learn.”

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree based at Southern Cross University in Tweed Heads is the only course of its kind between Newcastle and Brisbane, and includes a focus on health priorities such as health promotion, health in rural and remote communities, indigenous health and community-based services, as well as more traditional areas such as rehabilitation.

Melanie Roberts, acting program manager, Statewide Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Program said Gold Coast Health prided itself on providing clinical education and training to students as well as providing high quality clinical services.

“Having SCU OT students on placement helps Gold Coast Health build local partnerships across tertiary education and health sectors in order to train high quality health professionals for the future, which is ultimately of benefit to the Gold Coast community,” said Ms Roberts.

“We recognise the ongoing growth of the region and resultant expansion of services and facilities which will require increased numbers of staff.

“In particular the Occupational Therapy Department is committed to optimising recruitment and retention opportunities, such as employing locally trained staff, which is a significant factor in the ongoing support of SCU students on their placement.”

Media opportunity
Southern Cross University students Anna Lowry and Benjamin Keightley, Gold Coast Health occupational therapists and children from the paediatric ward will be available for interview and photos at 10.30am, tomorrow, Thursday, June 17 at the Gold Coast Hospital in Southport. Please meet in the foyer of the Gold Coast Hospital.

Photo: Anna Lowry and Ben Keightley