Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Presentations
Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
Committee and Volunteer Experience
Presentations
Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
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Sarah McIntosh

Summary

Dynamic healthcare professional with over 17 years of occupational therapy experience across all four HPHA sites, including over 5 years of recent clinical expertise on the inpatient medicine unit at SGH. Proven ability to lead and collaborate within interdisciplinary teams and effectively facilitate discharge planning by identifying and resolving barriers to discharge. Committed to enhancing hospital flow and ensuring complex patients are transitioned to the most appropriate care destination through an in-depth knowledge of local healthcare systems, community resources and relevant legislation.

Work History

Occupational Therapist

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA)
05.2009 - Current
  • Provide clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention and discharge planning recommendations for inpatients on the following units: medicine, stroke, surgery, complex continuing care, telemetry, ICU, psychiatry and the emergency department. Also experienced in outpatient community stroke rehabilitation and hand therapy.
  • Responsible for the following: ADL assessments/training programs, cognitive evaluation/rehabilitation, assistive device prescription and home safety recommendations.
  • Responsible for the training, supervision and delegation of tasks to Occupational Therapy Assistants, Clinical Externs and OT students.
  • Ergonomic Committee Member: Responsible for evaluating and recommending environmental or task specific modifications to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff members.

Occupational Therapist

Private Practice
11.2007 - Current
  • Previously contracted by Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) in three uniquely different roles:
  • 1. Completed functional assessments, home safety evaluations, equipment prescription, return to work programs and life skills training within the homes of Veterans coping with mental health and/or general medical issues.
  • 2. Provided OT consultation services to the London Homeless Veterans Initiative through the Operational Stress Injuries Clinic at Parkwood Hospital, with a focus on improving self-care skills, household management and community resource connections.
  • 3. Became the first OT Clinical Care Manager for the London District Office of VAC in 2010.
  • Various contracts with physiotherapy companies to provide ADP assessments/prescriptions for mobility aids (i.e. Lifemark, Back in Motion, Arvan Rehab Group, Willodale Physiotherapy).

Hospital Care Coordinator

Local Health Integration Network
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Responsible for initiating the appropriate home care referrals to assist inpatients with their care needs upon discharge from hospital.
  • Completed LTC assessments.
  • Participated in family/team meetings to review care needs and services available.

Occupational Therapist

WOTCH Community Mental Health Services, London
01.2006 - 09.2009
  • Established the role of the Occupational Therapist and developed several successful programs including a pain management program, hoarding group and collective kitchen.
  • Conducted functional, cognitive, home safety and mobility assessments for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
  • Provided equipment recommendations, skills teaching, emotional support and advocacy for clients living within WOTCH housing residences to enable successful community living and participation in valued activities.

Occupational Therapist

Paramed Home Health Care Services, London
02.2005 - 09.2007
  • Community-based assessment and consultation for individuals with a variety of physical and cognitive impairments with an emphasis on home safety recommendations, equipment prescription and client/family education.
  • Liaison with CCAC case managers and other service providers to link clients with the necessary resources to remain in their environments of choice.

Occupational Therapist

London Health Sciences Centre, Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit
03.2005 - 12.2005
  • Assessment, intervention and discharge planning for acute inpatients diagnosed with mental health disorders, delirium and dementia.
  • Co-facilitator of an outpatient transition support group providing education regarding coping skills and community resources to facilitate a smooth discharge from hospital to the community.

Occupational Therapist

St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Hospital, London
05.2004 - 02.2005
  • Inpatient musculoskeletal rehabilitation after hip and knee replacements.
  • Conducted ADL, cognitive, perceptual and home safety assessments, upper extremity range of motion and strengthening programs, balance and endurance training, assistive device prescription, and education on fall prevention/community resources.

Occupational Therapist

St. Joseph’s Health Care, Regional Mental Health Care London
08.2003 - 04.2004
  • Life skills assessment and training programs for inpatients with chronic mental health conditions.
  • Facilitated various groups (i.e. Healthy Living, Social Skills, Meal Preparation).

Environmental Services

Stratford General Hospital
06.1999 - 08.2003

Personal Care Attendant

Perth Supportive Housing, Cheshire London
06.1999 - 11.2001

Nutrition Assistant

Stratford General Hospital
07.1992 - 06.1999

Education

Master of Science - Occupational Therapy

University of Western Ontario

Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience

Brock University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Brock University

Skills

  • Patient centered philosophy
  • Exceptional prioritization/triaging skills
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Superior communication skills

Certification

  • College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario 2003 - present
  • Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists 2001 - present
  • Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Authorizer 2005 - present
  • CPR and Basic Rescuer Certification recertification 2023

Timeline

Hospital Care Coordinator

Local Health Integration Network
01.2018 - 01.2019

Occupational Therapist

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA)
05.2009 - Current

Occupational Therapist

Private Practice
11.2007 - Current

Occupational Therapist

WOTCH Community Mental Health Services, London
01.2006 - 09.2009

Occupational Therapist

London Health Sciences Centre, Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit
03.2005 - 12.2005

Occupational Therapist

Paramed Home Health Care Services, London
02.2005 - 09.2007

Occupational Therapist

St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Hospital, London
05.2004 - 02.2005

Occupational Therapist

St. Joseph’s Health Care, Regional Mental Health Care London
08.2003 - 04.2004

Environmental Services

Stratford General Hospital
06.1999 - 08.2003

Personal Care Attendant

Perth Supportive Housing, Cheshire London
06.1999 - 11.2001

Nutrition Assistant

Stratford General Hospital
07.1992 - 06.1999

Master of Science - Occupational Therapy

University of Western Ontario

Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience

Brock University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Brock University

Presentations

  • HPHA-Preceptor for various OT students and clinical extern training
  • UWO Guest Lecturer - Functional Assessment (March 6, 2007, April 7, 2008)
  • UWO Guest Lecturer - Mental Health Assessment (April 27, 2006)
  • Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Research Study - Psychiatric Rehabilitation Operationalized: A Descriptive Analysis of OT Interventions in a Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness - Presented at the UWO Conference on EBP (July, 2003) and the Annual RMHC Research Day (May 19, 2004)

Conferences, Workshops and Seminars

  • Crucial Conversations Course -3 day workshop promoting successful communication skills with challenging personalities (2024)
  • Motion Specialties Workshop-review of the most up to date equipment available to assist clients with functional independence
  • Telus workshops-Educational skills to teach clients how to prevent burn out and manage emotions (2025)
  • NDT training workshops at Backworks-introductory and intermediate courses in the management of the upper extremity following stroke or brain injury (2017)
  • Neurologic Upper Extremity Function and Management – SWO Stroke Network (Nov. 13, 2013)
  • A Participatory Approach to Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders Training Program – Public Services Health & Safety Association (Jan. 30, 2013)
  • Spatial Neglect: Advanced Strategies for Assessment and Treatment Workshop – SWO Stroke Network (Sept. 29, 2012)
  • Capacity Assessment – CCAC (June 15, 2012)
  • 3-day Introductory Bobath Course – Canadian Bobath Instructors Association (2010)
  • Alpha FIM Training - Stratford General Hospital (2010)
  • Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment - Parkwood Hospital (2009)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - TAPE Educational Services, University of Toronto (2008 - 2010)
  • Understanding Mental Health Law - RMHC London (Nov. 7, 2007)
  • Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Psychosocial Rehabilitation - WOTCH (Aug. 14, 2007)
  • Chronic Pain Management I & II - Pro Rehab Physiotherapy Centre (March 3 & 4, 2007)
  • Solid Skills for Teaching Skills - Regional Support Associates (Feb. 9, 2007)
  • Progressive Goal Attainment Program - University Centre for Research on Pain and Disability (Jan. 26 & 27, 2007)
  • Basic OT Fieldwork Education/Supervision Workshop - UWO (Dec. 15, 2006)
  • Introduction to Motivational Interviewing - WOTCH (2006)
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program - WOTCH (June 27, 2006)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - Vanier Children’s Services (May 11 & 12, 2006)
  • Anti-Violence Training - WOTCH (Feb. 13, 2006)
  • Palliative Care Self-Directed Learning Course - Paramed (Sept. - Nov. 2005)
  • Living with Chronic Pain - Helping You Move Forward (Nov.14, 2005)
  • 6th Annual Commitment to Care Conference - Alzheimer Society of Ontario (Oct. 14, 2005)
  • Cognitive Impairment Inservice - Parkwood Hospital (Nov. 9, 2004)
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases of the Elderly Conference (Nov. 2004)
  • Home Modifications for Wheelchair Accessibility Workshop (Oct. 2004)
  • Health Care Innovations Conference (2003, 2004 & 2005)
  • Manual Wheelchair Basics Workshop - Invacare (July 2004)
  • Puzzled About Wheelchairs and Seating Workshop - Parkwood Hospital (April 2004)
  • Giving Constructive Feedback Workshop –Parkwood Hospital (Nov. 2003)
  • American Sign Language Level 1 Certified (April 2003)
  • Management of Patients in a Crisis Situation - RMHC St. Thomas (Jan. 22, 2003)
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention - Parkwood Hospital (Jan. 20 & 21, 2003)

Committee and Volunteer Experience

  • HPHA Ergonomic Committee Member (2013-present)
  • Community & Hospital Stroke Committee - Seaforth Hospital (2010 – 2011)
  • Program mentor for 6 graduate students, UWO Occupational Therapy Program (Class of 2009)
  • UWO MSc(OT) Program Committee (2008)
  • UWO Fieldwork Placement Committee (2007 - 2009)
  • COTO Focus Group - Quality Assurance Program (March 2007)
  • UWO Accreditation Meeting (2003)

Presentations

  • HPHA-Preceptor for various OT students and clinical extern training
  • UWO Guest Lecturer - Functional Assessment (March 6, 2007, April 7, 2008)
  • UWO Guest Lecturer - Mental Health Assessment (April 27, 2006)
  • Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Research Study - Psychiatric Rehabilitation Operationalized: A Descriptive Analysis of OT Interventions in a Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness - Presented at the UWO Conference on EBP (July, 2003) and the Annual RMHC Research Day (May 19, 2004)

Conferences, Workshops and Seminars

  • Crucial Conversations Course -3 day workshop promoting successful communication skills with challenging personalities (2024)
  • Motion Specialties Workshop-review of the most up to date equipment available to assist clients with functional independence
  • Telus workshops-Educational skills to teach clients how to prevent burn out and manage emotions (2025)
  • NDT training workshops at Backworks-introductory and intermediate courses in the management of the upper extremity following stroke or brain injury (2017)
  • Neurologic Upper Extremity Function and Management – SWO Stroke Network (Nov. 13, 2013)
  • A Participatory Approach to Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders Training Program – Public Services Health & Safety Association (Jan. 30, 2013)
  • Spatial Neglect: Advanced Strategies for Assessment and Treatment Workshop – SWO Stroke Network (Sept. 29, 2012)
  • Capacity Assessment – CCAC (June 15, 2012)
  • 3-day Introductory Bobath Course – Canadian Bobath Instructors Association (2010)
  • Alpha FIM Training - Stratford General Hospital (2010)
  • Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment - Parkwood Hospital (2009)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - TAPE Educational Services, University of Toronto (2008 - 2010)
  • Understanding Mental Health Law - RMHC London (Nov. 7, 2007)
  • Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Psychosocial Rehabilitation - WOTCH (Aug. 14, 2007)
  • Chronic Pain Management I & II - Pro Rehab Physiotherapy Centre (March 3 & 4, 2007)
  • Solid Skills for Teaching Skills - Regional Support Associates (Feb. 9, 2007)
  • Progressive Goal Attainment Program - University Centre for Research on Pain and Disability (Jan. 26 & 27, 2007)
  • Basic OT Fieldwork Education/Supervision Workshop - UWO (Dec. 15, 2006)
  • Introduction to Motivational Interviewing - WOTCH (2006)
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program - WOTCH (June 27, 2006)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - Vanier Children’s Services (May 11 & 12, 2006)
  • Anti-Violence Training - WOTCH (Feb. 13, 2006)
  • Palliative Care Self-Directed Learning Course - Paramed (Sept. - Nov. 2005)
  • Living with Chronic Pain - Helping You Move Forward (Nov.14, 2005)
  • 6th Annual Commitment to Care Conference - Alzheimer Society of Ontario (Oct. 14, 2005)
  • Cognitive Impairment Inservice - Parkwood Hospital (Nov. 9, 2004)
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases of the Elderly Conference (Nov. 2004)
  • Home Modifications for Wheelchair Accessibility Workshop (Oct. 2004)
  • Health Care Innovations Conference (2003, 2004 & 2005)
  • Manual Wheelchair Basics Workshop - Invacare (July 2004)
  • Puzzled About Wheelchairs and Seating Workshop - Parkwood Hospital (April 2004)
  • Giving Constructive Feedback Workshop –Parkwood Hospital (Nov. 2003)
  • American Sign Language Level 1 Certified (April 2003)
  • Management of Patients in a Crisis Situation - RMHC St. Thomas (Jan. 22, 2003)
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention - Parkwood Hospital (Jan. 20 & 21, 2003)

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