Isabel Still
Mt Coolum,QLD
Summary
I am an ambitious, dynamic, and compassionate Occupational Therapist, most recently working within a UK-based neurosurgical unit, while leading the development of an OT service in intensive care. My key areas of interest include neurological rehabilitation, intellectual disability, and paediatrics, particularly children on the neurodivergent spectrum. I pride myself on being a holistic, client-centered, and innovative clinician who strives to deliver the highest quality care and advocates for my clients and the profession alike. For example, in my most recent role, I pioneered a ‘rehab approach’ to acute patient care. This was achieved through creating educational posters, providing in-person presentations and training, together with developing a QR code-accessed remote training to enhance engagement.
Outside of my career, I am a keen runner, surfer, enjoy yoga, and travel when able. Further to this, I have recently achieved a personal milestone by completing my first marathon, a long-standing goal of mine.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Band 6 Occupational Therapist (Neurosurgical Unit and Intensive Care Unit [ICU])
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Plymouth
02.2022 - 10.2025
- Delivered specialist occupational therapy assessment and rehabilitation for neurosurgical and intensive care patients.
- Conducted cognitive and upper limb assessments with targeted interventions to maximise functional independence.
- Assessed and managed psychological needs including delirium, anxiety, low mood, and PTSD symptoms.
- Planned and delivered individualised, goal-oriented rehabilitation in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
- Led patient-centred goal setting with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team to support discharge planning.
- Established and developed an ICU OT service, promoting early rehabilitation, wellbeing initiatives, and continuity of care through outreach services.
- Provided education, supervision, and mentorship to staff, promoting a rehabilitation-focused approach to care.
- Applied evidence-based practice through CPD, clinical audits, and outcome measures (AusTOMS, JH-HLM) to improve service quality.
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Unit)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Managed a clinical caseload of post-stroke patients, completing holistic OT assessments and individualised rehabilitation programmes.
- Collaborated with patients to set realistic, measurable goals and optimise functional outcomes.
- Delivered interventions independently and within an interdisciplinary team, including joint sessions with physiotherapy and speech pathology.
- Conducted home visits, assessed environments, and coordinated equipment provision to support safe and timely discharge.
- Led group rehabilitation sessions, including upper limb therapy, falls prevention, and therapeutic activities.
- Liaised with families, carers, and specialist community services to ensure continuity of care and effective care planning.
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post- Emergency Care)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Delivered comprehensive OT assessment, intervention, and discharge planning in a fast-paced Emergency Care setting, supporting early intervention and admission avoidance.
- Provided timely advice, education, and adaptive equipment to promote recovery and safe discharge.
- Worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, using strong clinical reasoning and communication to inform care decisions.
- Conducted home visits to assess environments and fit aids and minor adaptations to facilitate timely discharge.
- Partnered with the Community Crisis Response Team to prevent avoidable admissions and support patients to remain safely at home
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post – Acute Stroke and Neurology Unit)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
05.2020 - 03.2021
- Delivered specialist OT assessment, rehabilitation, and discharge planning for stroke and neurological patients.
- Conducted functional assessments of ADLs and domestic tasks to support independence.
- Assessed upper limb and cognitive function using standardised tools (OCS, ACE-III, Multiple Errands Test) and implemented targeted interventions including mirror therapy and Theraputty.
- Supported post-stroke emotional wellbeing using validated tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7).
- Planned and delivered individualised, goal-focused rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Supervised and mentored an OT student, contributing to professional development and placement assessment
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post- Respiratory Care)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Managed a ward of patients with complex respiratory conditions, delivering assessment, intervention, and discharge planning.
- Educated patients on self-management strategies, including energy conservation, activity pacing, and fatigue management.
- Supported emotional wellbeing for patients experiencing anxiety or depression using relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
- Recommended home modifications and adaptive equipment to improve safety, accessibility, and independence.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and community services, and provided clinical supervision to the Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Practice Placement 3: Community Adult Social Care Team
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Managed a community caseload, providing holistic assessment, intervention, and rehabilitation to support independence and safety at home.
- Assessed functional ability and delivered advice on daily tasks, including transfers, personal care, domestic tasks, and leisure activities.
- Evaluated home environments and facilitated Disability Facility Grant applications for adaptations such as level-access bathrooms and through-floor lifts.
- Assessed and provided equipment and aids, including bathing/toileting aids, seating, and grab rails.
- Delivered short-term rehabilitation following acute episodes, hospital discharge, or exacerbations of long-term conditions.
- Conducted falls prevention assessments and implemented strategies to reduce risk; presented a case study to the therapy team, winning the School Prize for ‘Best Viva-Voce’
Practice Placement 2: START (Students and Refugees Together)
START (Students and Refugees Together)
10.2018 - 12.2018
- Managed a caseload of clients with refugee status, providing tailored support for housing, healthcare, education, employment, and wellbeing.
- Co-facilitated a community drop-in service, assisting with job applications, financial support, and access to public services.
- Delivered psychological and emotional support to individuals experiencing trauma, adapting approaches to meet individual needs.
- Led projects providing enrichment and wellbeing activities for children aged 2–16, promoting social connection, play, and emotional development.
- Contributed to community initiatives including allotment groups, women's English classes, and culturally inclusive cooking programs.
- Collaborated with community members and services to enhance engagement, access, and culturally responsive support.
Practice Placement 1: Acute Health Care for the Elderly
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
04.2018 - 05.2018
- Developed core OT skills in assessment, clinical reasoning, intervention planning, and discharge planning for older adults with complex needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic, patient-centred care across diverse areas, including emergency care, hand therapy, trauma, orthopaedics, and paediatrics.
- Engaged in reflective practice, supervision, and CPD to enhance clinical knowledge and professional development.
- Presented a comprehensive case study, demonstrating understanding of the placement environment and the occupational therapy role.
Education
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) - Master of Science with Distinction
University of Plymouth
07.2019
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies - Sociology
University of Plymouth
06.2017
A-Levels - Sociology, Physical Education, Biology
Frome Community College
05.2013
9 GCSEs at grades A-C - Science, Mathematics, English
Frome Community College
05.2011
Skills
- Functional assessment
- Patient-centered goal setting
- Rehabilitation planning
- Cognitive assessment and intervention
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Neuroaffirming practice
- Documentation skills
- Clinical supervision
Certification
Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): OCC0004008465
Timeline
Band 6 Occupational Therapist (Neurosurgical Unit and Intensive Care Unit [ICU])
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
02.2022 - 10.2025
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Unit)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
11.2021 - 02.2022
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post- Emergency Care)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
03.2021 - 11.2021
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post – Acute Stroke and Neurology Unit)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
05.2020 - 03.2021
Band 5 Occupational Therapist (Rotational Post- Respiratory Care)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
09.2019 - 05.2020
Practice Placement 3: Community Adult Social Care Team
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
01.2019 - 04.2019
Practice Placement 2: START (Students and Refugees Together)
START (Students and Refugees Together)
10.2018 - 12.2018
Practice Placement 1: Acute Health Care for the Elderly
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
04.2018 - 05.2018
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) - Master of Science with Distinction
University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies - Sociology
University of Plymouth
A-Levels - Sociology, Physical Education, Biology
Frome Community College
9 GCSEs at grades A-C - Science, Mathematics, English
Frome Community College