#AHPsDay: My role by Anthony Barrett
We thank Andrew for taking the time to write this blog - the second in a series of six to mark this year's #AHPsDay - and for helping to shine a light on the varied roles and responsibilities of our talented #AHPCommunity colleagues.
Written by Anthony Barrett (pictured), paediatric clinical lead physiotherapist
I am responsible for promoting and supporting babies’ movement and development and I monitor and assess muscle tone, movement patterns and positioning and ideas for playtime to facilitate normal motor development. I am very passionate about the importance of Kangaroo care and the positive impacts this has for babies and their families. For me, cuddles are the best medicine on neonates!
All AHPs on the neonatal unit work in partnership with families and other staff to empower parents to become confident, knowledgeable, independent care-givers. We ensure plans are discussed and agreed where possible.
On the weekly developmental care ward rounds we encourage parents to tell us about their baby and their journey and to ask questions. We are well supported by our colleagues in community and, on discharge, can refer babies on so families receive continuous support and advice.
It is a privilege to be able to be a part of the amazing journey the babies and their families undertake. We provide necessary care and support whilst facilitating the nurturing bond and love that only families can provide for their baby.
As well as working with newbborns, I see children up to the age of 16 for a wide range of conditions, from neurological and developmental problems to respiratory conditions and post-orthopaedic surgery, to name a few.
I am lucky to work with a supportive MDT and also feel fortunate to be able to follow many of my patients through their journey from start to finish. As an example of this we may have a child with a broken leg who I will see on the ward to teach how to use crutches and facilitate getting them home. I then follow them up in my outpatient clinic for their rehabilitation. It is incredibly rewarding seeing the results of the hard work they have put in and seeing them being able to get back to all the activities they love.
We have a wonderful paediatric team here at North Mid who are all extremely hard working, kind, compassionate and most importantly fun people. As AHPs, we are delighted to work with the amazing children and families who pass through our hospital every day.
