November through to December last year I gained the opportunity to work at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a world-renowned children’s hospital in London. My experience was within Rheumatological conditions and Chronic pain providing intensive 2–3-week physiotherapy admission for children to encourage function and holistic management.
Though it was hard to move away from home (and to navigate the endless strikes in London) I learnt so much about communicating and encouraging children in healthcare as well as supporting parents in how to take an active role in the treatment process.
Here are some of my key take aways:
A positive rehabilitation environment goes along way alongside adherence to exercise prescription.
Acknowledging pain and injuries but not letting them become the focus of conversations or daily tasks helps to maintain development and function.
Children’s walking patterns are super important, and any signs of deviation should be supported early on.
Exercise helps to support growth in children and is not something to be avoided or feared.
These are just some of the topics I completed critical analysis papers on during the placement, if you’d like any more information, I’d be happy to share!
Growing up in dance, I was privileged to get to move my body most days and that enjoyment has shaped my now career in physiotherapy and Pilates. Working with children and encouraging healthy movements and seeing that enjoyment build as pain became more manageable was really rewarding and inspiring. It’s amazing how resilient and determined children can be when dealt struggles!
I finished the placement with my highest grade yet, 98% and I’m looking forward to my next placement at Stafford Country working within the Acute Medical Environment.