Marshall Browning Hospital's Rehabilitation Department Welcomes Occupational Therapist

Marshall Browning Hospital's Rehabilitation Department has recently welcomed Occupational Therapist, Christine Watt. Christine joined the department in January. She previously worked as an Occupational Therapist for Southern Illinois Healthcare having worked at both St. Joseph Memorial Hospital and Herrin Hospital.

Christine is a graduate of Du Quoin High School. She has a total of 9 years experience in Occupational Therapy. After working 5 years as a COTA, Christine received her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern Indiana in May 2004. She earned a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from SIU-Carbondale in August 2007. She is experienced in both inpatient and outpatient therapy, including industrial rehabilitation, and has special interest in hand therapy. She has completed specialized training in "Bioness Clinical Training" for stroke patients and also completed a training program for "The Functional Capacity Evaluation" and "Therapeutic Management of Lymphedema in Upper and Lower Extremities."

Marshall Browning Hospital previously offered Occupational Therapy services on a part-time basis through a contract service. They are pleased to bring Ms. Watt back to Du Quoin where she will offer full-time occupational therapy services to the community. Occupational therapists help patients improve their performance in home and work environments. They work with individuals who have a physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. Occupational therapists use treatments to develop or recover the daily living and work skills of their patients. OT focuses on helping people regain the ability to perform functional activities that are meaningful and enjoyable. The therapist helps clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. The goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

If you think you or a loved one might benefit from Occupational Therapy, speak with your doctor. A physician referral is necessary. Occupational therapists work closely with the patient's physician to provide a treatment plan that meets their needs and goals.

"We are very excited to have Christy and to offer full time Occupational Therapy services for the patients in our community," stated Debbie Hill, Director of Rehab. "We want our patients to know that they have a choice where they receive their therapy services, whether it is occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech therapy. It is important that patients understand they can receive quality treatment at Marshall Browning Rehab without having to travel out of town."

For more information about the rehab services at Marshall Browning Hospital, call 618-542-2146, ext. 1099.