Mrs Diana Heinrich

I have over 35 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist, working within the NHS and the private sector.

I have worked at Spire Parkway Hospital for over 20 years, setting up and developing the Occupational Therapy service for the hospital. I am actively involved in patient care but also am the Dementia Lead at the hospital. As the Dementia Lead, I engage in staff training on dementia and dignity, both of which I am passionate about. I am keen to promote the work we do at Parkway support patient living with dementia and consequently we are affiliated with the John’s Campaign and I am also an Alzheimer’s Dementia Ambassador.

For outpatients, I provide patient centred assessments, to identify needs, provided appropriate interventions, which may include advice, information or provision of equipment to enable independence.

For inpatients, prior to admission, I work as part of the multidisciplinary team assessing a person particular needs, ensuring that they are prepared for their surgery. Once on the ward the team works to help the patient recover their functional ability, so they can return home with, if required, appropriate equipment and support.

I have a particular interest in complex discharges especially supporting people and their families living with dementia. I strive to ensure that any person attending Parkway affected by dementia, receives appropriate support for their surgery/intervention, so the surgery has a minimal impact upon their dementia symptoms.

Through the patient centre approach, I try to ensure that both the patient’s and the carer’s needs and concerns are met. Carers are encourage to be part of the patient’s journey at all times and are able to stay with the patient whilst they are in hospital.

I work primarily with inpatients, facilitating a person’s admission and discharge ensuring their care and support needs are identified and addressed.