Jack’s story – mainstream schools therapy

Jack was a patient on Sheffield Children’s neurosciences ward after he suffered severe bleeding on the brain at seven weeks old. He was treated for four weeks, after being resuscitated and rushed to our Emergency Department. Now, he’s six years old and in Year 1 at school. Jack’s mum says the staff at Sheffield Children’s saved his life.

Jack’s trauma left him with a brain injury that predominantly affects the frontal lobe region of his brain. As a result, he continues to be supported by Sheffield Children’s, where his mum says: “the care has been fantastic.”

Jack has occupational therapy at our Ryegate Children’s Centre, under the care of our mainstream schools therapy team where staff support him in overcoming the tasks that he finds difficult. Sometimes he struggles with emotional regulation, and the Occupational Therapy (OT) team are helping him to work towards his goals.

Mum said: “I’m really happy with the care at Ryegate and grateful for the support of the team. Jack really enjoys coming to his therapy sessions. We’re looking forward to him reaching his goals.”
In sessions with the team he often works on improving his fine motor skills – doing up buttons on a blanket is one of his favourites. At the moment, Jack is working on being able to do his own buttons once he’s dressed, and to hold a pencil properly.

Mum said: “Mr John McMullan was the neurosurgeon who dealt with Jack and was fantastic. The care in the Emergency Department was the best as they acted so fast, giving Jack lifesaving treatment as he wasn’t breathing when we got into the hospital.

“Nurses on M1 Ward (recently renamed Ward 4) were absolutely fantastic looking after Jack. When Jack had a re-bleed we were on S1 (now Ward 1), we had an absolutely fantastic nurse who looked after Jack and also spoke to me about any worries I had.”

Sheffield Children’s Occupational Therapy teams work around the goals of child and their families. Through these goals, children are helped to develop their skills and participate in normal life activities and activities with others. This means each therapy session is individual to the child’s development, in order to be able to take part in what they want to do. These goals may relate to school life, home life or leisure activities.

Find out more about the mainstream schools therapy team at: https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/mainstream-schools-therapy-service/