Occupational Therapy

Joanna Rutkowska-Wheeldon graduated from University of the West of England and she is a member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Joanna has been an NHS Occupational Therapist for over 10 years and worked in neurology for the last 8. Joanna is MS Specialist Occupational Therapist working as part of the MS Multi-Disciplinary Team.  

What do I do?  

My role is to assess occupational needs to support independence in daily activities to optimise functional outcomes including but not limited to education and employment.   

I can provide an assessment of cognition and provide strategies to support cognitive impairments.   

I have a role in education and support with a MS Related fatigue and other MS related symptoms.    

What to expect?   

I can call you to discuss your questions, needs and expectations.    

I may offer advice, suggestions and information over the phone, video call or offer you a clinic appointment or home visit.    

I may signpost or refer you to your local services to you for further assessment and treatment.   

I may offer you a place in MS specific group or refer you to the general Neurology groups and classes.   

Groups:   

Living Well with MS is a group that runs in partnership with MS Society.  This group runs in a block of 6 sessions 4 times per year.  During the sessions you will hear from MS Society about their support including employment and benefits. You will also meet the team who will discuss variety of topics including fatigue management, keeping active physically and cognitively, relationship & sex, managing stress and anxiety.   

Managing MS through Relaxation is a group that runs every month. During the sessions you will hear about different types of relaxation and how those can support you to manage variety of MS related symptoms. Each group session ends with a different relaxation session.   

Fatigue management runs in partnership with MS Society. An evidence- based approach called FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to life Style) is delivered in a group format.  It is a group intervention that provides education and problem solving on energy effectiveness, cognitive behavioural approaches and opportunity for peer support. The aim is to help to normalise fatigue, learn helpful ways of thinking about fatigue and how to use available energy more efficiently. The group-based program of up to 10 participants running over 5 weekly sessions for 1 ¾ hour each via virtual platform.  

If you are interested in participating in any of the groups, please speak to myself or another member of the team whom will make a referral.   

Community Occupational Therapy   

If you have any issues with equipment or need to change it for any reason, in the first instance please speak to the community Occupational Therapy Team who provided it.  

If you need information about adaptations, please contact your local Community Occupational Therapy Team.