National OT Week is a time to shine a spotlight on the vital work of Occupational Therapists (OTs), both within CityCare and across the NHS. This year’s theme, “Right Support, Right Time,” perfectly captures the essence of what OTs do every day—empowering people to regain independence and live well after illness or injury.
As part of National Occupational Therapy (OT) Week 2025, Sue Barnitt, Deputy Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality spent the morning with Kate Harris, one of our dedicated Occupational Therapists from the CityCare Community Stroke and Discharge and Rehab Team.
Blog by Sue Barnitt, Deputy Director of Nursing, AHPs and Quality
Meet Kate from the Community Stroke Team
Kate qualified as an OT in 2001 and has worked in a variety of roles across hospital and 
Kate works as part of a multi-disciplinary stroke team, which includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Support Workers, Assistant Practitioners, Stroke Nurse Specialists, and Mental Health Nurses. The team provides holistic rehabilitation in patients’ own homes and care settings, supporting recovery for up to two years post-stroke and helping individuals regain essential skills and confidence.
Kate clearly enjoys her role and shared, “I find working as an OT rewarding because I enjoy supporting patients to achieve their potential and participate in the activities that matter most to them.”
The Power of Occupational Therapy
Kate’s role, like many within the NHS, can have a life-changing impact—not just for patients, but also for their families.
Spending time with Kate highlighted the many ways Occupational Therapists support people. They are problem-solvers, advocates, and enablers. During my visit, I joined Kate on patient visits at Connect House, observing first-hand the patient-centred and individualised care delivered by the team.
One visit was a joint session with a Physiotherapist. Together, they reviewed the patient’s physical functioning and developed a personalised plan based on their assessment, identifying the equipment needed to support recovery. This joined-up, patient-centred approach is at the heart of the government’s vision for proactive, community-focused care.
In the early days after a stroke, patients often experience a complex mix of hope, frustration, anxiety, and gratitude. While out with Kate, I observed patients navigating this full range of emotions. Using her OT skills, Kate focused on patient-centred goals, took time to listen to their concerns, and broke down complex tasks into manageable steps. She encouraged patients to write in their journals so that, when progress felt slow, they could reflect on how far they had come.
Spending the morning with Kate was a powerful reminder of the difference OTs make every day. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment are central to helping patients recover, regain independence, and live life to the fullest.
As we mark National OT Week 2025, let’s celebrate the vital role of OTs and the strength of our multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
Date published: 6 November 2025
