Liz Farrer – Neuro-Physiotherapist

“I’m Lead Therapist at the Ashbrook Neuro Rehab Unit in Rochdale, a 7 bedded unit, and we treat people who have brain injury or neurological conditions, most of them are moving from an NHS hospital. I guess the biggest changes for our clients have been that they can’t have visitors. So essentially you are everything to them, you’re not just their therapist you are their friend, confident, sometimes an emotional punch bag maybe! I think that has been the biggest change – there’s been a lot of frustration not being able to see family.
We’re absolutely safe – we have full PPE but only if we need it. My professional body, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, has very clear guidance as to when you need it (PPE) and when you don’t so I follow that and our clients don’t move around as they might do in hospital – it’s very separate to a hospital setting really. We’ve had no positive cases which is great news.
Outside of that role I also do a freelance physio role for community neuro therapy and I’ve been doing remote consultations for the clients I see for that using Facetime, Whatsapp and Zoom. I have offered, in the Calderdale area, free sessions for people where perhaps NHS appointments have been cancelled or delayed and they have a long term neuro condition that they may need advice to manage or how to support themselves if they can’t get to their NHS appointments. And that’s all done from home. Hopefully I’ll eventually be able to get out and about doing that role as the restrictions lift”

18.5.20