Pretoria West Hospital holds Occupational Therapy Week
Occupational Therapy involves assisting patients participating in everyday activity after injury or disability.
The Pretoria West District Hospital recently held its first-ever Occupational Therapy (OT) Week under the theme “Make It Matter, Make It Happen”.
The event (first week of the month) served as a dynamic and educational experience, filled with engaging activities aimed at raising awareness of the vital role occupational therapists play in patient care.
A series of events were designed not only to celebrate OT but also to provide meaningful interaction between the hospital community and the OT department.
These events included:
– Patient education on Occupational Therapy’s role
– Guiding patients to the OT Department
– Commemorating the week with a handprint poster
– OT students’ engagement with medical and nursing staff
– Local radio engagement
– Wheelchair race
Occupational therapists, alongside students, highlighted their specialised role in helping patients regain or develop skills needed for everyday life, following injury, illness or disability.
By giving practical examples, the team helped patients understand the types of therapies available, including exercises to improve mobility, strategies for adapting to physical limitations and ways to build mental resilience.
“This outreach was essential for reinforcing the collaboration between occupational therapy and nursing in patient care. Students shared insights into how nurses and doctors could better understand the therapies being provided, when to refer patients for OT services and how this can be done. This not only strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration but also empowered doctors and nurses to promote OT among their patients,” said Palesa Chauke, a sessional Occupational Therapist.
Pamphlets were also shared offering more detailed information on the types of services available, answers to frequently asked questions and the department’s contact details.
The hospital said that the enthusiasm and engagement from both staff and patients have set a strong foundation for future OT weeks, ensuring that the importance of this field continues to be highlighted and celebrated.
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