Physiotherapist helping North Lincolnshire cancer patients remain active

Ali Dale’s daily work will be based in the community across North Lincolnshire focusing on adults over the age of 18 who are registered with a GP in the area.

She will focus on improving independence for people with a life-limiting condition such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This includes providing therapy intervention for physical activity, breathlessness, muscular pain, moving and handling techniques and more.

Ali (pictuerd) said: “More people than ever before are surviving and living well with cancer, which is why therapy and rehabilitation is so important. I can be involved at any point in a person’s journey. My role is to help them to continue to lead independent lives and give them the motivation and encouragement they need in often difficult times.”

As an example of the type of work Ali undertakes, she said: “One patient sustained a fracture in their lower back as a result of cancer and was wheelchair bound. Through rehabilitation their mobility improved which also led to a better quality of life. The patient is now walking again and is able to drive.”

Ali works closely with Sarah Hodge, a specialist occupational therapist within the team. Together they assess and provide therapy and rehabilitation for individuals. The pair recently attended a Macmillan conference in Leeds where they celebrated the work going on within the Macmillan team across North Lincolnshire.

Ali works Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm and prides her team on the quick response they are able to provide to patients.

She said: “We can often receive a referral and carry out an assessment with the person within 24 hours.”

Ali qualified as a physiotherapist in 2012 and has since gained experience in a variety of specialist areas around the Yorkshire and Humberside region.