As a Band 2 Occupational Therapy Assistant working on an acute psychiatric ward, I was responsible for my own caseload of clients, defined by the lead registered therapist (OT). Many of my daily duties included carrying out the delivery of therapy/rehabilitation implementations, and assisting with various patient assessments and ward introductions.I had strong roles in daily patient observations, where I assessed patients health, well-being, skills and behaviours, while they were carrying-out daily occupational tasks and activities. Recorded observations promptly and accurately, ensuring all important information is communicated with colleagues and the multidisciplinary team, through both patient notes and handovers. I would often supervise, escort and assess service users using facilities such as; OT kitchen, OT garden, Pottery Room, Games Room, hospital grounds and the wider community. Whilst applying and maintaining relative health and safety measures, section conditions, and teaching of independence skills. Frequently conversing with the lead therapist on patient observations to distinguish any concerns/progressions and potential alterations which need to be made to patient care plans. Additionally, collaborating with the lead therapist on group and 1:1 therapy delivery, style and content, in order to keep therapeutic interventions relevant and up-to-date with patient profiles. Furthermore, my duties involved regularly liaising with both the public and professionals, e.g. to contact the patient regarding their appointments and to liaise with members of the wider multidisciplinary team. I worked closely with clients, carers, relatives and colleagues to establish and implement therapeutic patient goals as part of their overall individual care plan, as well as a means to promote independence and an overall healthier lifestyle towards recovery.

Working as a Mental Healthcare Support Worker, my main duties concerned assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, by undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed to facilitate the wellbeing, dignity and treatment of all patients. Providing practical support and responsive care to patients who require assistance with intimate personal needs such as dressing, bathing and toileting activities, ensuring that such activities comply with procedures and the relevant healthcare legislation. To effectively achieve this, developing and maintaining good professional relationships with patients, relatives and colleagues are essential in order to gain client trust and build rapport. My HCA role additionally included tasks such as escorting and supporting service users 1:1 or 2:1 in the community. With the responsibility of remaining vigilant and proactive at all times for patient and public safety. Adhering to safeguarding practices to ensure patients are provided with the highest level of care, which includes cooperating with the multidisciplinary team on any concerns I observe.Another big role as a HCA is carrying out patient observations, where I assessed patients health, well-being and behaviours, on an hourly and quarter hourly timed-basis. Making accurate written recordings as a legal requirement for their care, communicating with colleagues and the multidisciplinary team, through both patient notes and handovers. Additional daily tasks involve assisting with medication rounds as well as maintaining ward cleanliness/tidiness, both vital to adhering to infection control policy and procedures.

My role as a Mental Healthcare Assistant for The Priory Group included a range of care responsibilities alongside monitoring and reflecting on patient progress and mental state. A way in which I performed these responsibilities was mainly via maintaining visual observations of patients at hourly, quarterly and constant levels, and then documenting their mental state, appearance and any information they may have disclosed. Alongside this, I also promoted healthy lifestyle choices and ensured that patients attended to activities of daily living; such as personal hygiene needs. Furthermore, I escorted patients on Section 17 leave to a range of locations to assist in reintegration back into the community, whilst remaining vigilant to ensure both patient, public and personal safety.During my time in Priory Group, I also adhered to Care Plans, alongside Positive Behavioural Support plans to ensure that the care provided remained holistic, maintaining a person centred approach at all times. Another responsibility of mine, was to utilise a range of de-escalation techniques, whilst building therapeutic relationships with patients. This allowed me to provide the highest level of care possible; whilst assisting service users in utilising healthy coping mechanisms to manage distressing times. Due to the security level of the wards I worked in during my time with Priory Group, I also adhered to a range of security and safety measures. This included having knowledge of contraband items, whilst also communicating with charge nurses to identify potential risk items.