My name is Sharon, I am a Senior Occupational Therapist working in the Paediatric Programme in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). I also work in the Assistive Technology Clinic and the Discharge Liaison Occupational Therapy service.
As part of my work in the Paediatric Programme I work with children with Acquired Brain Injuries, Spinal Injuries and Limb Loss. Part of my role is to support the children’s re-engagement in everyday meaningful activities. Having fun is a very important tool we use to make this happen. This allows the children to achieve and maximise their rehabilitation goals.
This year I ran the Dublin city marathon in order to raise vital funds for the NRH foundation. The NRH Foundation is the registered charity dedicated to raising vital funds for the NRH.
I have seen how beneficial these funds are. For example within the Assistive Technology clinic, the NRH Foundation has supported us in purchasing new and essential assistive technology for our patients to trial during their time in the NRH. This equipment enables them to contact their families when they are in hospital and re-engage in previous leisure pursuits, so I would just like to say, a massive thanks to everyone who supported this very worthy cause and to those who support the NRH.