Who are you?
Mary Calvey, specialist hand therapist (occupational therapist by background).
Summarise your role.
I work with a dedicated team of five (part-time) hand therapists and a therapy technician, across the East Surrey and Horsham sites. We are based in the therapy outpatient department but also work alongside the hand surgeons in their fracture and elective clinics.
I treat patients of all ages. The impact on hand function from trauma or an acquired condition can be life changing and many musculoskeletal and medical conditions affect the hand. Treatment may include exercises, scar management, wound care, specialist equipment, various types of splinting, joint/soft tissue mobilisations, sensory integration, practical advice about managing conditions and returning to activities of daily living.
What do you find rewarding about your role?
Working within a great team.
I enjoy the rapport we develop with our patients. Hand function is complex and unique, our hands are said to be an extension of our brains. Having the privilege to treat individual patients, gain their trust and participation in their recovery is very rewarding.
What do you find challenging?
There are never enough hours in the day! Timing hand therapy input is key and we are always looking to develop communication between departments to get patients smoothly to where they need to be. We would love to extend our input beyond acute care and increase links with community teams, it can be a challenge to keep our service within its remit.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love to spend time with family and friends, especially my two grandsons.
I sing with a local choir and play netball. I enjoy gardening, baking and crafts, especially hand embroidery. I have a passion for musical theatre.