Meet the team
- Senior Occupational Therapist (Team Leads)
- Senior Occupational Therapists (Rotational)
- Occupational Therapists (Rotational)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest regional centres for non-surgical cancer treatment. The Trust is a regional referral centre for haematology and bone marrow transplants. We also have a specialist Young Person's Unit built in conjunction with the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is the sarcoma centre for the region
The Oncology and Haematology Therapy team cover wards 622, 623, 624,625.
Conditions we treat
The team treat a wide array of oncological and haematological conditions such as breast cancer, lung Cancer, lymphoma, myeloma, bleeding disorders and patients undergoing non-surgical cancer treatments.
What to expect
Our Occupational Therapists provide specialist assessment and intervention for patients receiving care within Oncology and Haematology services. The aim of occupational therapy is to maximise independence, enhance quality of life, and support patients to achieve their preferred place of care whenever possible.
An Occupational Therapist will undertake comprehensive functional and cognitive assessments to understand how your condition and treatment may be affecting your daily activities. Assessments may include evaluating your mobility, seating and positioning needs, transfer abilities, and cognitive function. Based on these assessments, recommendations can be made for equipment, adaptations, and strategies to support safety, comfort, and independence.
The Occupational Therapy team works closely with patients, families, carers, and the wider multidisciplinary team to support discharge planning and ensure that appropriate support is in place both in hospital and at home.
Our Interventions Include:
Equipment Provision
Assessment and provision of equipment to support daily activities, improve safety, maintain independence, and facilitate discharge to the preferred place of care.
Fatigue Management
Support and education to help patients manage cancer-related fatigue through energy conservation techniques, activity pacing, and lifestyle strategies, with the aim of improving quality of life and participation in meaningful activities.
Breathlessness Management
Practical advice and techniques to help manage breathlessness, enabling patients to carry out everyday activities more comfortably and confidently.
Specialist Cognitive Assessments
Assessment of cognitive changes that may affect memory, attention, concentration, problem-solving, or other aspects of daily functioning, with recommendations and strategies to support patients and their families.
Who we work with
Occupational Therapists work closely with a wide range of healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive coordinated, holistic care throughout their cancer journey.
As part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), we collaborate with:
- Oncologists and Haematologists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Dietitians
- Nursing Staff
Working together enables us to address each patient's physical, cognitive, emotional, and practical needs, helping to maximise independence and quality of life.
In addition to the core multidisciplinary team, patients may also benefit from support provided by a range of specialist services, including:
Supportive and Palliative Care Team
Providing expert symptom management, emotional support, advance care planning, and assistance with complex physical and psychological needs throughout treatment and beyond.
Complex Discharge Team
Supporting patients with care and support needs following discharge from hospital. The team works with patients, families, community services, and healthcare professionals to coordinate care packages and facilitate safe and timely discharges. They can also support fast-track discharges for patients with rapidly changing needs, helping individuals to be discharged to their preferred place of care as quickly as possible.
The Patrick Room
Offering information, support, and wellbeing resources for patients, families, and carers. The Patrick Room provides a welcoming environment where individuals can access advice, guidance, and support to help them navigate their cancer journey.
Occupational Therapists work alongside these services to ensure patients and their families receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
How to be referred
Inpatients can be referred to Occupational Therapy via our internal electronic referrals system (PICS)
Contact us
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026