Band 6 Locum Acute Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist – Band 6 (University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust)

Job Overview

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist (Band 6) to join the Older Persons Team at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, part of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. This locum position offers the opportunity to support older adults in maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life through personalised, evidence-based interventions.  

You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to assess and treat patients within an acute hospital setting, contributing to safe and effective discharge planning. This is a rewarding role for an Occupational Therapist seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older patients while developing specialist clinical skills in a supportive environment.
 

Key Responsibilities

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  • Undertake comprehensive functional assessments for older adults to identify barriers to independence and set achievable rehabilitation goals.
     

  • Develop and implement individualised treatment plans that promote independence, recovery, and wellbeing within the hospital and at home.
     

  • Work collaboratively with physiotherapists, nurses, doctors, and discharge coordinators to ensure holistic, person-centred care.
     

  • Provide specialist advice on equipment, adaptations, and reablement strategies to support safe discharge and prevent readmission.
     

  • Contribute to discharge planning meetings and ensure continuity of care through effective communication with community and social care services.
     

  • Educate patients and carers on safe techniques for mobility, self-care, and use of equipment to promote confidence and independence.
     

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with NHS Trust and HCPC standards.
     

  • Work on a shift basis (08:00 – 16:00) as part of the hospital’s occupational therapy service.

   

  About You

  You are an empathetic and motivated Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting older people to regain independence and live fulfilling lives. You bring strong clinical reasoning, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to multidisciplinary teamwork. Experience in acute hospital care or older persons rehabilitation will be highly valued.
   

  Requirements

   

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    • Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy with current HCPC registration.
       

    • Experience working in an acute hospital setting, ideally within older persons or medical wards.
       

    • Knowledge of discharge planning, functional assessments, and adaptive equipment provision.
       

    • Strong clinical documentation and organisational skills.
       

    • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
       

    • Commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.

     

    Contract & Salary

     

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      • Position: Locum Occupational Therapist – Band 6
         

      • Location: The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
         

      • Area: South West NHS
         

      • Pay rate: Negotiable (dependent on experience)
         

      • Hours: Shift-based, 08:00 – 16:00
         

      • Contract length: Ongoing

       

      How to Apply

      If you are an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for supporting older adults and enhancing patient independence, we would love to hear from you. Please apply using the form on the page.

      Code: U. GK64J.029010.B18534