Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 2019

GHP / 2019 Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 77 , Building Blocks Occupational Therapy Building Blocks Occupational Therapy: Outstanding Service Award in Multi- Disciplinary Paediatric Healthcare 2019 The early years of a child’s life are extremely important inmaximising their physical, social, emotional, and learning potential. Building Blocks Occupational Therapy aims to improve development in children, support those with problems that range fromhandwriting issues to more complex needs. As part of our Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards for 2019, we examine the firmand its vital work inmore detail. Established over eighteen years ago in Hornsby, Sydney, BBOT initially began as a home-based Paediatric Occupational Therapy service, founded by Celeste Riach. Since the firm’s inception, it has grown from sole trader to housing eighteen employees across two locations designed to serve the community. Relationships and support are the key convictions of BBOT, as defined by founder Celeste’s own personal beliefs. With a tag line of “Build, Develop, Excel”, the staff aim to make meaningful connections with the children, their families, and teachers whilst providing high-quality innovative and goal- oriented therapy services. Incorporating honesty, integrity and excellence in all they do, the team has maintained a high profile in their local area, thanks largely to the high level of trust placed in them by clients. BBOT has a presence in many local schools, meets regularly with local healthcare practitioners, and collaborates alongside other complementary health services including paediatric dentists, psychologists, chiropractors, and speech therapists. Many of the children that BBOT see and work with have issues that range from gross motor skills, fine motor skills and handwriting, through to social skills and sensory processing, as well as a number of conditions, disorders and syndromes. Such conditions can include ASD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hypermobility and other learning difficulties. Able to offer a multitude of groups, BBOT puts the power in the hands of parents and carers. With a wide variety of tailored groups to suit all manner of needs, there is sure to be something for every child. Whether it’s the Holiday Handwriting Happenings club, Ready…Set…School program, or the team sports-based program BB All Stars, the company can offer a wealth of support across all areas of child development. Over the last few years, BBOT’s practice has expanded to offer a more multidisciplinary service. As recently as June 2019, the company welcomed a Speech and Language Pathologist to join the existing Paediatric Physiotherapist, who both work onsite and in schools allowing BBOT to help children across all areas of their development. By bringing in specialists, the company are further establishing themselves as the go-to firm for paediatric healthcare. With the arrival of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the subsequent closure of most government services, there has been a much greater demand on private therapy practices across Australia. This increased need has seen BBOT’s client base expand greatly, with the firm at times experiencing challenges keeping up with the high demands for services. Offering more group and in-school programs, expanding their physical locations to offer more space for therapy, and recruiting more staff have all helped overcome these issues. To ensure that the firm stay at the forefront of industry developments, all therapy staff undertake regular professional development and attend relevant training courses and conferences to update their skills. Maintaining memberships with certifying organisations means that staff regularly receive the latest scholarly news and ensures they stay abreast of evidence-based practice treatments. In turn, clients can rest assured that their child is getting the best help possible. Ultimately, it is the vision of BBOT to help those in the community who most need it, and that is the reason for their continued success. Dedicating their time and service to maximising the potential of children, the staff at this Occupational Therapy company are helping pave the way for a new generation of confident and successful children. Company: Building Blocks Occupational Therapy Contact: Celeste Riach Website: https://bbot.com.au/