Vanessa Hughes

I am a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of PLymouth with a clinical bacground in the acute NHS.  I completed my BSc hons degree in Occupational Therapy in 2007.  Since then I have mostly worked in the NHS across medicine, surgery, trauma and orthopaedics, and healthcare for older people.  I have a particular interest in end of life care.  In 2020 I joined the Practice Education Team to focus on supporting new graduates in their first roles with a focus on induction, preceptorship and mentoring staff.  I also supported students whilst on practice placement with a programme of support for working in the acute setting.

At the end of 2020, I co-led a therapy team working with Covid 19 patients at a Nightingale hospital.  This provided me with the opportunity to work with an inspirational group of staff from across the county to establish a new short-term setting and provide quality therapy and support to patients.

In 2023 I undertook a project funded by NHSE looking at Growing the Occupational Therapy Workforce within Social Care, which allowed me to grow my understanding of the issues facing OTs working in this area.  It also provided me with the opportunity to network with other health professional across the UK who are passionate about supporting new graduates to transition to newly qualified practioners and beyoned.

Health Care Professions Council

Royal College of Occupational Therapists

My teaching interests are anything to do with Occupational Therapy practice, older people, end of life care and intgrated working.  I am also part of the Practice Placement Team supporting students through preparation for placement to the end debrief.  I am also a Manual Handling trainer.