THERE'S no such thing as a regular day at work for specialist paediatric physiotherapist Julie O’Donoghue.
Some days, the 40-year-old can be working with babies whose parents are worried about their development.
On others, she may be treating children with knee pains or youngsters with long-term disabilities.
It is Julie’s work with a patient called Thomas, 17, that led to her being nominated for the Therapist Award at this year’s Scottish Health Awards.
Julie, who works in various schools and health centres throughout the NHS in Scotland and with its partners, said: “I’ve worked with Thomas for almost four years.
“I worked particularly closely with him in the last year after he had quite major spinal surgery.”
Thomas has PVL, which is a type of brain damage. He also has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, he is visually impaired and he has multiple other additional needs.
After he underwent his back surgery, Julie was there with Thomas to ensure his recovery went well.
She said: “It took quite intensive input after the surgery to get him back to his pre-op physical ability.
“His body alignment was totally different. His most recent physiotherapy was to help him re-learn skills, such as being able to roll and go from lying down.
“It’s been quite an intense period for Thomas but he’s done amazingly well. We’re a year down the line and he’s achieved everything he set out to do.”
The determination shown by Thomas will be beneficial as he gears up to apply for university this year.
Julie was delighted to be nominated for a Health Award.
She added: “I love my job. We work really hard with the children and families, so for someone to take the time to put in a nomination feels so special.”
