Susanna's story
I have been an Occupational Therapist (OT) for 20 years now and have worked clinically across older people’s physical and mental health services, eventually specialising in older person’s mental health services (OPMH).
My first role in managing a Multiple Disciplinary Team (MDT) was as a Team Lead for a Community Mental Health Team, caring for older people. Although I had always worked in a MDT and thought I understood each individual professional’s role in ensuring patient centred care, it was not until this role that I fully appreciated the complexity of MDT working and the benefits of an effective team has when delivering patient care.
My leadership career continued with various roles which incorporated professional leadership across the MDT and specialities, both mental health and physical.
My current role of Deputy Director of Allied Health Professionals (AHP) is a new role to the Trust. It involves providing professional and strategic leadership for all AHPs in the Trust, as well as ensuring the roles and impact of AHPs are promoted and recognised throughout the Trust and with our partners.
We have a huge range of AHP professions here at Southern Health, who I love visiting, seeing the impact they have on the lives of patients and their families. Every day, I continue to learn the unique value that each professional brings to the treatment of a patient and the impact of the MDT.
I am passionate about patient care and the need to promote independence and recovery. I feel incredibly privileged to do such a role and I genuinely enjoy coming to work.
