A view from the Western Isles Sonja Smit, Occupational Therapy Services Manager

Challenges of working in Remote, Rural and Island setting Multiple and combined roles Broad portfolios Isolation (professional & managerial) Close proximity to patients Confidentiality – ‘stigma’ of accessing services Geographical challenges

Adaptation and Rehabilitation Team ART Mental Health ART Rheumatology and Hand Therapy ART Children's Service ART Stroke and Neurology Hospital Model of OT Service in the Western Isles Community based service reaching into the hospital

What do we do: Videolink /skype Shared electronic patient record Share expertise and experience Build informal networks with specialist on mainland Mentoring arrangements Staff Attributes: flexible, innovative, used to problem solving, resilient, positive Use our community resources, third sector

What we are working towards: Obligate network / formal networks Clear pathways for people with neurological conditions Development of a neurological MCN Investment in local services – reablement A solution to meet the need for neuro – psychology services Good communication with mainland centres