SARA Thelwell, an occupational therapist at Denbighshire County Council, won the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Innovation Award in February, which allowed her to go on a research trip to Belgium to experience the field of work in a different country.

The innovation award provides support for an innovative or developmental project or activity likely to have an impact on people who access occupational therapy services or carers and the profession.

The funding from this award allowed Sara to go to Belgium in March, where she spent two days at a care home observing their take on 24-hour posture care, which includes how residents with dementia are washed and cared for within their day-to-day life.

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She worked with physio Jo De Clercq and studied the “Turn Only Once” bed care approach, which has resulted in greatly reduced numbers of individuals developing pressure injuries or contractures.

The principles of this approach are that citizens are cared for with minimal but precise touch and much reduced handling.

Sara said: “I’ve had a lot of encouragement from the team to research innovative ways of working and bring new ideas back that would benefit the residents of Denbighshire, and I feel that this is a real positive of working for Denbighshire. 

“Following my visit, funding also allowed Jo De Clercq to come over here and deliver some training sessions, of which there have only been three so far in the whole of the UK and Ireland.

“There are a few things that I learned that we are hoping to implement into our care routines.”

Cllr Elen Heaton, lead member for health and social care, said: “It is always wonderful news when members of Denbighshire staff are recognised for their hard work and dedication to their roles.

“Sara’s research trip to Belgium was a well-deserved opportunity and I look forward to the valuable insights this experience will bring.”