About me:
My name is Andy, and I am a specialist palliative care physiotherapist.
I live in Liverpool with my wife, two daughters and our lovely cockapoo, Jessie. Our eldest daughter is away at university now, so our house is somewhat quieter these days!
Prior to my career as a physiotherapist, I worked as an operations manager in telecommunications but with aspirations of wanting a rewarding occupation.
After completing a physiotherapy degree at University of Liverpool, I worked across different areas of physiotherapy gaining valuable knowledge, skills and experience within the NHS prior to joining St. Rocco’s in 2016.
I have a passion for sport, and I am an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club. I am also a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer and I’m currently training to compete in an Olympic Triathlon this month.
My role:
My role is varied and split between assessing and treating patients in the hospice and at their home. I use my knowledge and expertise to assess, treat and agree plans with patients with the aim of maintaining their independence and safety. I receive referrals from a range of healthcare professionals across the Cheshire & Merseyside area.
I also assist the Livewire team with the Warrington Cancer Exercise & Wellbeing Programme. This involves providing fatigue management advice in a group setting to service users who are part of the 6-week programme.
A typical day:
I monitor and manage my caseload closely and after receiving a referral I will look at all accessible and relevant medical information before triaging and making contact with patients to plan an assessment at a time and date that suits them. I provide physio assessments, treatments and reviews at St. Rocco's or at patients homes. Often our patients are undergoing or have completed radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy or have been discharged from hospital or hospice and require further physiotherapy input.
I can provide specific exercises programs, rehab equipment, and other interventions to help improve symptoms such as pain, weakness, impaired balance and reduced exercise tolerance.
I also offer breathlessness and fatigue management assessments, techniques and advice to patients who are struggling to manage their daily activities due to the impact of their diagnoses. The aim is to provide our patients with the necessary tools to control their symptoms independently. Furthermore, improving their confidence with completing daily tasks and activities.
One of the most important parts of my day-to-day role is the psychological support that we offer patients and relatives. This involves utilising advanced communication skills to be able to listen to, understand and respond to their needs and this may include liaising with other services if further support and advice is required.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I gain so much reward and satisfaction from my role knowing that I can make such a difference by providing help and support at a time when patients and relatives need it most.
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