A written report
Findings, clinical reasoning and prioritised recommendations, written for the person who has to act on them.
Occupational therapy referrals for professionals
A straightforward route to private occupational therapy assessments, reports and therapy for solicitors, case managers, deputies, schools, local authorities, housing providers, employers, insurers and clinicians across the North East.
- Referrals and instructions by email
- Written quote before work starts
- Clear, practical reports
- Consent-based information sharing
Make a referral or enquiry
Tell us a little about what you need and we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Occupational therapy referrals for professionals in the North East
Many of the people Private Occupational Therapy sees are referred by someone else: a solicitor who needs evidence of care needs, a SENCO who wants clearer advice for a pupil, a housing officer weighing up an adaptation, or an employer trying to bring someone back to work safely. Each of those referrers needs something slightly different, and the service is set up to respond to that rather than offering one standard package.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, the service covers Tyneside, Wearside, Northumberland and County Durham, with video appointments where appropriate and reports further afield by arrangement. Children, adults and older people can all be referred, and the full range of assessments is listed on our services page.
Legal and case management
Solicitors, case managers and deputies
Personal injury and clinical negligence work needs reports that are objective, reasoned and costed, and treating therapy that keeps funders informed.
Solicitors and insurers can instruct care and needs reports, immediate needs assessments and accommodation reports, prepared with an expert's duty to the court in mind. Full details are on the medico-legal reports page. Case managers can commission assessments and goal-based treating therapy for clients with brain injury, spinal injury, orthopaedic injury or chronic pain. Deputies acting for a client through the Court of Protection can request assessments that help plan care, equipment and housing spend, with reports written so the reasoning is easy to follow.
Commonly requested
- Care and needs reports
- Immediate needs assessments
- Accommodation and equipment reports
- Treating occupational therapy
- Progress reports for funders
- Return to work plans
Schools, SENCOs, local authorities and housing providers
Schools and SENCOs
Schools often refer when a pupil's handwriting, coordination, sensory needs or self-care are affecting learning and the NHS route is slow or unavailable. An assessment can include classroom observation and a meeting with staff, and the report gives strategies teachers can use in a busy room. Staff training can be added where the same advice would help several pupils. Where a child has or may need an Education, Health and Care Plan, our EHCP and school assessments set out specific, quantified provision.
Local authorities and housing providers
Councils and housing associations may commission occupational therapy assessments to reduce waiting lists, assess a complex case or give a second view on a proposed adaptation. Reports can support Disabled Facilities Grant decisions, rehousing applications and major adaptation schemes, and are written so that surveyors and contractors can work from them. See home assessments and adaptations for what a visit involves.
Employers, insurers, GPs and clinicians
Employers and insurers
Employers and income protection or health insurers can commission workplace assessments, reasonable adjustment advice and graded return plans. The aim is a return that the employee can sustain and the organisation can support. Private Occupational Therapy can also carry out follow-up reviews as hours and duties increase, giving managers a clear point of contact if the plan needs to change. The vocational rehabilitation page explains the assessment in detail.
GPs and other clinicians
GPs, consultants, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech and language therapists sometimes suggest private occupational therapy when a patient needs input that is not currently available locally, or more of it. Typical reasons include rehabilitation after a stroke, concerns about falls at home, equipment needs or a child's motor and sensory difficulties. A referral letter is helpful but not required, since patients can refer themselves. With consent, findings are shared back with the referring clinician so care stays joined up.
How to refer
How to refer or instruct
All referrals and instructions start by email to info@privateoccupationaltherapy.co.uk or through the quote form at the top of this page. The how it works page describes the same process from the client's side.
Send the referral
Include the person's age, location, the main concern, the question you need answered and any deadlines.
Scope and quote
The work is scoped with you and a written quote agreed before anything goes ahead.
Consent and records
Consent is confirmed and relevant records or previous reports are gathered.
Assessment and report
The person is seen at home, school, work or by video, and the report follows.
What you receive
What referrers receive
Outputs are agreed at the start so you know what to expect and when to expect it.
Specific recommendations
Who should do what, how often and for how long, with equipment and adaptations itemised.
Updates as agreed
Progress reports for funded therapy and a named point of contact for questions about the case.
Confidentiality
Communication and confidentiality
Information is shared only with the consent of the person concerned, or of a parent or lawful decision-maker where that applies.
Private Occupational Therapy agrees at the outset who will receive the report and any updates, and sticks to it. Personal information is handled in line with UK data protection law and our privacy policy, and reports are sent securely by email. Where a referral involves several professionals, a single agreed contact keeps communication clear and avoids information going to the wrong place.
Agreed at the start
- Who has given consent
- Who receives the report
- How updates are shared
- Who pays and how
- Any deadlines to work to
FAQs
Questions from referrers
Do you need a GP referral?
No. Professionals, families and individuals can all refer directly. A GP or consultant letter is welcome where it adds useful medical background. People and their families can also get in touch themselves, which suits cases where no formal referral pathway is involved.
Who pays for a professional referral?
Usually the referring organisation, a claim, an insurer or the family, depending on the case. The funder is confirmed before work starts, and the fees and funding page explains the common routes.
Can you see someone outside the North East?
Video appointments may be suitable for some work, and reports further afield can be arranged where travel is practical. Mention the location in your first email so travel can be reflected in the quote.
Make a professional referral
Send a few details about the person and what you need, and you will receive a reply on scope, availability and a quote.