Occupational therapy week perfect time for thanks

A grateful patient has returned to Townsville University Hospital to thank the occupational therapists that aided his recovery ahead of Occupational Therapy Week (25-29 October).

Lona Brown spent two months in Townsville University Hospital’s ICU and surgical wards after a car accident with a semi-trailer changed his life forever on April 26.

Lona said after the accident he had a brain injury that required surgery, a broken arm in two places, a crushed right patella and internal bleeding.

“When I first woke up and realised what happened I couldn’t remember anything in the two weeks leading up to the car accident and the three weeks after,” he said.

“I had multiple surgeries and there was a lot of work for me to do in order to recover.”

Lona said it was the occupational therapists that helped him to start his journey to recovery.

“I just wanted to return to normal life and the occupational therapists worked with me to do that,” he said.

“Much of the focus was getting my brain functioning after my brain injury.

“This involved daily problem solving and puzzles which slowly improved my cognition.”

Lona said the occupational therapists also assisted with his functional mobility.

“I needed assistance to use my upper limbs again, so we spent time in the gym to improve that,” he said.

“It was hard at first, but the occupational therapists made everything easy and clear to understand.”

Occupational therapist Sarah Brennan who worked with Lona during his hospital stay said occupational therapists and hand therapists worked with Lona across surgical wards, rehabilitation inpatient ward and in outpatient areas to help his recovery.

“During his stay Lona Worked with us to improve his ability to carry out his personal cares and instrumental activities in addition to improving use of his upper right limb.

“All of the work we did with Lona was working towards his goals of resuming his role as a father, partner and worker.”

Lona said he wouldn’t have recovered as well as he did without the support of the Townsville University Hospital occupational therapists.

“They really worked with me to focus specifically on the day-to-day things I was struggling with,” he said.

“I am so thankful for their help and wish them all the best.”

Occupational Therapy Week celebrates the role occupational therapists play in supporting people in activities they find meaningful. The theme of Occupational Therapy week is participation, inclusion, and independence.

Occupational therapists work with adults of all ages, children, and families, who have physical, social or mental health needs.

For more information on occupational therapy at Townsville HHS visit-  https://www.townsville.health.qld.gov.au/services/services-a-z/occupational-therapy/

To learn more visit

 https://otaus.com.au/otweek