the unit

Role of hand therapist

All the hand therapists work within a highly extended role, combining specialist skills associated with the following allied health professions:

• physiotherapist
• occupational therapist
• nurse
• plaster technician

They are also able to triage urgent referrals (similar to a service offered in a minor injuries unit) including the ability to request X-Rays. Please call the department, on 020 7483 5090, for an urgent appointment if you have an injury that needs prompt attention.

Traditionally, physiotherapists are experts in movement whereas occupational therapists are the experts in the function. At the London Hand and Wrist Unit, all therapists are trained to acquire the knowledge and skills of the other profession. Wound management is usually associated with nurses but, again, this is a skill held by all the hand therapy team. Fabrication and removal of plaster of Paris and fibreglass wrist casts can also be done by all team members.

The skills of the therapists means that the patient is able to attend a single appointment to have, for example, removal of sutures, fabrication of a thermoplastic splint, teaching of exercises and advice regarding wound management. In other departments, this might mean seeing two or three different professionals.

The hand surgeons trust the skills and knowledge that the therapists possess to ensure that the highest quality of care is accessible in their absence.