We’re shining a spotlight on some of our incredible Occupational Therapists who support patients to live as independently as possible by improving any difficulties they face.

Trevor joined UHCW NHS Trust in September 2006, leaving his 14-year career as a Quality Auditor for a car manufacturer.

Working in a factory was all Trevor knew but he longed to do something different and when his wife qualified as a nurse he became inspired to look for a career in healthcare.

Trevor said: “I liked the idea of caring for others so I decided to complete an access to nursing course. Whilst training I found out more about Occupational Therapy and something seemed to click.

“The focus on supporting people with mental and physical health conditions to become more independent appealed to me so I applied to do a degree in Occupational Therapy and qualified in 2006.

“Back then University Hospital Coventry had just been built and with it being part of a teaching Trust, I knew it would offer lots of opportunities.”

To get his foot in the door Trevor spent his first few months at the Trust as a Trainee Pharmacy Technician and an Assistant Practitioner in our Theatres department.

He said: “I enjoyed both roles however my heart was set on becoming an Occupational Therapist, so I joined the Rapid Emergency Assessment Care Team (REACT) as an Assistant Practitioner.

“Here I worked with Occupational Therapists (OTs) and physios to ensure patients were discharged from hospital safely.

In 2008 Trevor got his big break and became an OT supporting patients through rehabilitation on our care of the elderly ward before moving to the Integrated Discharge Team and taking on a more senior role supervising junior team members.

Today he works with our Emergency Medicine Group helping to educate and equip elderly patients with everything they need to avoid admission into hospital.

Trevor added: “Being able to provide vulnerable patients with the support they need so they can return home is very rewarding.

“Occupational Therapy is something I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to be part of. I still have that excitement and drive to support patients so they can live their lives to the fullest, independently.”

If you’re interested in starting a career as an Occupational Therapist, you can view our current vacancies by visiting http://jobs.uhcw.nhs.uk