An occupational therapist was described today as a team player with a wealth of knowledge by the Ministry of Health.

The spotlight was shone on Nicole Blades on World Occupational Therapy Day.

A health ministry spokeswoman said: “Nicole is one of our champion occupational therapists.

“She is part of the community rehabilitation team serving seniors and is the OT lead for the seniors-based team.

“Although assigned to seniors, Nicole capably supports in many areas, including working on the elder care team and with the Bermuda Health Council in conducting rest home inspections.

“She is known for her strong organisational skills, being a team player and her wealth of knowledge, particularly with adults and seniors in the clinical areas of psychiatry and physical disabilities in both hospital and community settings.”

The spokeswoman said Ms Blades, who is the chairwoman of the Board of Occupational Therapists, had more than 26 years of clinical experience in Bermuda and Britain.

She added: “Nicole is passionate about providing specialised care to seniors in the community and is a strong proponent of helping clients age in place.

“In addition, she readily offers clinical support to her colleagues and external stakeholders in the community in all areas of occupational therapy care.

“She regularly provides guidance to colleagues in her current role as OT team lead in the Department of Health and previously as the clinical OT supervisor at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“Nicole has been vital in organising and executing several events for community partners, including presentations on falls, management and home safety, ergonomics, range-of-motion and positioning programmes, and transfer training, to name a few.

“Nicole is known fondly for her supportive approach, attention to detail and empathy to the needs of her clients and their family and support systems.

“Nicole has expressed a love for the holistic profession of occupational therapy and providing clients with the skills for the ‘job’ of living.

“Nicole is a strong advocate for occupational therapy in the community and is a great example of what excellence looks like as an occupational therapist.”

The spokeswoman said that World Occupational Therapy Day, on October 27, presented an opportunity to highlight different types of OT and to “feature some of the incredible clinicians working under the Department of Health”.

She explained: “Occupational therapists are part of a vitally important healthcare profession, helping clients across their life span to participate in life occupations through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

“Occupational therapy consists of holistic and customised approaches to evaluations, interventions and outcomes.

“For example, OTs can help a child with disabilities participate in school and social situations, assist a person recovering from injuries to regain skills and aid an older adult to stay as independent as possible, ageing in place within their own homes.

“Occupational therapists within the Department of Health promote physical wellbeing, self-efficacy and functional independence for active community living and optimal quality of life.

“Services are provided to persons in the community, including children identified as at risk of developmental delays and adults and seniors meeting established criteria.”