Occupational Therapist Ashleigh Maybery recognised for ‘outstanding contribution’

The pregnant, mother-of-two had so many ideas for her Occupational Therapist (OT) role, but only three days per week to implement them. 

Her solution was to develop innovative group programs, bringing staff from multiple departments together, that could operate in her absence. 

Instead of servicing a handful of clients during limited hours, dozens of people benefit from her systematic approach. 

It was therefore no surprise to peers when Ashleigh was named a finalist in the Victorian Rural Health Awards, for her ‘outstanding contribution to rural allied health’. 

“The impact Ash has had is nothing short of remarkable,” Primary Health Coordinator Jo Grant said. 

“She identifies a gap, advocates for her community, then creates these unique programs and trains staff to deliver them.” 

Among Ashleigh’s achievements are fitness programs, ‘Strong Shoulders, Fit Fingers’ and ‘Strength and Balance’, designed for older community members. 

“These were meant to be six-week programs but, due to strong demand, Ash created an ongoing maintenance version,” Ms Grant said. 

“Clients really enjoy the social element and wanted to maintain their fitness, so she extended it.” 

Ashleigh also created a bank of equipment that is commonly needed following an acute hospital stay, ensuring it is available immediately. 

“She was frustrated by delays in sourcing things like shower aids and walkers, so we applied for grant funding and now have everything available locally,” Ms Grant said. 

“Ash does an assessment to identify client needs, trains allied health assistants to deliver the relevant equipment, then follows up to make sure it’s working. 

“The equipment is covered by Government funding, which we apply for, so clients often have no idea about the background work involved.” 

In a similar program, parents will soon access a ‘toy library’ so they can replicate speech therapy or OT activities, with the same equipment, at home. 

Although her expertise will be sorely missed during her maternity leave, Ashleigh’s visionary work will ensure the community continues to benefit from established programs. 

“Ash is so quiet and humble; she would never boast about this award nomination, so we have to do it for her,” Ms Grant said. 

“Other Grampians Health campuses are looking to implement her screening programs, so it’s impossible to quantify the reach of this one remarkable person.” 

Victorian Rural Health Award winners will be announced on June 20.