Happy AHPs Day!
Today is Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Day, and we’re celebrating the vital role AHPs play in providing exceptional care to our patients and communities. From physiotherapists and dietitians to speech and language therapists, AHPs are a key part of the NHS, making up its third largest workforce.
Here, two of our AHPs share what motivates them and what they enjoy most about working at SWLSTG.
Jessika Morgan-McNeil, Occupational Therapist
Q. Could you tell us a bit about your role and how long you have been at the Trust? What does your role involve?
“I’ve been at the Trust for seven years, almost three of those in the adult eating disorders day unit. Before that, I worked in the acute service line and PICU.
“My role is really varied and interesting. I do, assessments, run group sessions, and offer one-on-one support to help with the different ways an eating disorder can affect someone’s life.
“I focus on self-care, productivity, and leisure, setting goals to improve daily living skills, like food preparation, and build coping mechanisms for a better balance in life.”
Q. Can you share a memorable experience from your time working at our trust?
"Moving into the new Trinity building was quite memorable and very exciting!"
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?
“There are so many things I love about my job! But if I had to choose, I’d say the hands-on parts, like meal preparation and lifestyle interventions, are especially rewarding. Helping individuals build the skills they need to live without an eating disorder is incredibly fulfilling. Watching them reach a point in their recovery where they can rebuild their lives and reconnect with who they are is the best part.”
Q. What advice would you give to new staff members about prioritising quality and safety in their roles?
“Use supervision as much as you can and seek support from others. It’s okay not to know everything, nobody does! Always keep learning.”
Q. How do you ensure that your daily practices contribute to maintaining high standards of patient safety and high-quality care?
“Working in a patient-centred way is crucial, as it involves constantly considering their needs and how we can best support them. Advocating for patients and recommending interventions that enhance their wellbeing is a key part of my role.”
Q. What do you enjoy about working here?
“We’re really lucky to have such a variety of specialist areas and staff with diverse backgrounds and experiences. It all comes to together to help us provide the best care for our patients by using our unique skills.
"Our diverse knowledge and cultural backgrounds allow us to offer personalised, person-centred care. Plus, the new green spaces at Springfield are a real bonus – it’s great for both staff and patients to have such a calming environment.”
Ross Stuart, Specialist Dietitian
Q. Could you tell us a bit about your role and how long you have been at the Trust? What does your role involve?
“As a specialist eating disorder dietitian, my primary role is to support individuals dealing with various eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
“I’ve been in this field for several years now, focusing on creating personalised nutrition plans that help clients restore and maintain a healthy relationship with food.
“I work closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. Together, we create tailored treatment plans that address both the psychological and physical aspects of eating disorders.
“I also provide education on nutrition, help manage specific nutritional deficiencies, and offer meal support during treatment."
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?
“One of the most rewarding parts of being a specialist eating disorder dietitian is watching my clients gradually transform as they make real progress toward recovery.
“Because outpatient work allows for longer-term care, I get to see clients develop healthier relationships with food, rebuild their confidence, and reclaim parts of their lives that their eating disorder had overshadowed.
“It’s especially fulfilling when clients start to embrace positive changes, such as balanced eating without guilt, finding joy in social situations that involve food, and listening to their body's needs. Each small breakthrough can be incredibly impactful for both them and me as their clinician.”
Q. What advice would you give to new staff members about prioritising quality and safety in their roles?
For new staff working with eating disorders, here are some key tips to prioritise quality and safety:
- Use evidence-based practice — focus on proven methods like CBT-E or MANTRA and keep up with professional development.
- Establish trust with clients to encourage their engagement and openness.
- Conduct thorough risk assessments — regularly assess both physical and mental health to monitor for complications.
- Collaborate with the team — work closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive care.
- Engage in supervision — seek support and guidance from supervisors and peers to improve your practice.
- Be client-centred — listen to your clients’ needs to create effective and safe treatments.
