Neuro-oncology therapy team

What is the neuro-oncology therapy team?

The neuro-oncology therapy team is made up of:

• occupational therapists
• physiotherapists
• therapy assistants

We provide rehabilitation, treatment and advice to children and young people after an injury, illness, surgery or treatment. We work to support children with movement, function and independence to help you get back to normal every day activities.

We provide treatment based on your needs, and support you and your family to achieve your goals.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists will assess, treat and manage any difficulties you may have with your movement, strength, balance and co-ordination.

Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists help people to get back to doing their every day activities.

Everyday tasks

We look at all aspects of your life and help you to increase your independence in every day tasks. This could include self-care tasks (such as washing, dressing or eating), school work, play or hobbies.

Movement

We may provide further assessment and advice into movement, visual perception, sensory issues, fatigue management strategies, and hand function (such as splits).

Seating and posture

We look at seating and postural management, we may consider specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs, specialist seating or sleep systems. These will let you get back to your daily activities.

In the hospital

We may also work with the teaching staff and play teams in the hospital to make sure you are properly supported for your stay in hospital. This might include postural needs or any developmental, cognitive, processing and handwriting difficulties.

At home

We may look at your home environment to make sure you can get around easily and do your daily activities.

We may order equipment such as beds, toileting and bathing equipment and seating if needed. When you are ready to go home we will contact the local therapy teams to provide equipment. We may also refer on to the local occupational therapy and physiotherapy teams who can continue to provide therapy input.

Therapy assistants

Therapy assistants work very closely with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to help carry out the treatment plan.

What happens when I see the therapists in hospital?

Firstly, a therapist will come and assess what areas you need help with, then make a plan designed for you. We set goals with you and your family on what is important to you.

We may do therapy sessions in your room, the therapy gym, play room or in the community.

Where are the therapists?                                            

The team are based in the main site at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

We work with children all over the hospital but are mainly based on Wards 5, 6 and critical care unit. We work throughout the week, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.