Occupational therapy at Mildmay
At Mildmay, occupational therapy is central to how we help patients regain control of their daily lives.
Our occupational therapist works with people who are facing some of the most complex combinations of health and social challenges in London, including complex HIV, rough sleeping and the health consequences of long-term substance use.
The goal is always the same: to help each person do the things that matter to them, as independently as possible. Patients receive occupational therapy as part of their treatment during a residential admission.
What does occupational therapy involve at Mildmay?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a regulated, science-based health profession. It focuses not on diagnosis or medication, but on function: what a person can do, and what might be getting in the way.
Our occupational therapist works alongside each patient to understand their situation, set realistic goals, and build an individual programme. That programme might address:
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Daily living skills, including washing, dressing, preparing meals and managing medications
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Cognitive difficulties affecting memory, concentration or decision-making
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Fatigue and pain management
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Emotional well-being and confidence
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Practical goals such as returning to work, education or social activities
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Planning for life after discharge, including safe and suitable housing
OT is a recognised profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Who benefits from occupational therapy at Mildmay?
Mildmay is an independent charitable hospital providing specialist services to the NHS under contract. Our patients often have multiple, overlapping conditions that require a carefully coordinated approach. Our OT service is specifically adapted to three patient groups:
People living with HIV
We provide specialist OT for patients with complex and acute HIV-related conditions, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). These can affect memory, mobility and the ability to manage everyday tasks. Our therapist works with patients to rebuild function and confidence in the context of their longer-term condition.
People who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness
Patients on our Step-down Homeless Medical Care Pathway often arrive with significant physical and mental health needs. OT helps them stabilise, recover practical skills and plan for independent living.
People recovering from substance use
On the London Detox Pathway and Post-detox Recovery Pathway, social work is part of a recovery-focused programme that addresses the social conditions that sustain addiction. This includes reconnecting patients with family, securing benefits, and supporting access to community recovery services.
What outcomes does OT achieve?
Occupational therapy at Mildmay is goal-oriented and measurable. We track progress using both objective measures, such as increased mobility or reduced dependence on support for daily tasks, and patient-reported outcomes, which reflect how patients feel about their own recovery.
For our patients, successful OT often means:
Because our patients face exceptional challenges, even modest functional gains can represent a significant change in quality of life. Our occupational therapist works as part of Mildmay’s multidisciplinary team, meaning OT goals are coordinated with nursing, social work, physiotherapy and other disciplines throughout each patient’s stay.
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Being able to wash, dress and prepare food independently
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Managing their own medications
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Returning to hobbies, social contact or work
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Feeling more confident about life after discharge
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Having a realistic, supported plan for where they will live.
“With my occupational therapy, I feel strong and confident. I was treated with respect and kindness. Well done and thank you so, so much.”
Mildmay patient
Referring to our occupational therapy service
Occupational therapy at Mildmay is available to patients admitted via any of our care pathways. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to know more about referral criteria, please visit our referrals page or contact our admissions team directly.
Support us
NHS contracts cover roughly only 90% of our costs. Only through charitable donations can we provide a comprehensive range of services that ensure the best outcomes for our patients, funding staff like our art therapist, housing officer, chaplain and volunteer coordinator.
Your support ensures these vital services can continue. Please consider donating today and help us empower patients on their path to well-being.