THE Mayor of Darlington has helped hospital staff to celebrate Occupational Therapy Week.

Councillor Veronica Copeland, who is a former occupational therapist, called into Darlington Memorial Hospital to show her support for their efforts.

She said: “I’m very proud to say I worked as an occupational therapist for over 30 years, most of them based at this hospital.

"It’s such a pleasure to see how the service has grown and find out more about the practical support Occupational Therapy continues to provide for patients by supporting their recovery and, amongst other things, helping them maintain their independence.”

Ruth Campbell, the hospital’s clinical team leader for occupational therapy said: ‘We work with people of all ages, including children, undertaking holistic assessments, looking at their physical, psychological, social and environmental needs and identifying ways in which we can help those people live as full and independent lives as possible.

"A career in occupational therapy is varied and it’s so rewarding to see patients having better outcomes because of our involvement in their care."