David Simpson, Occupational Therapist

David’s role as occupational therapist includes meeting one-on-one with guests to provide clinical occupational therapy services, running group sessions and workshops, and developing the services and facilities on offer at Sargood on Collaroy.

Highly experienced, David has worked in spinal injury management for 20 years across different settings including Moorong, Royal North Shore Hospital, and in private practice. He says he feels privileged to work at a place like Sargood on Collaroy which is all about innovation and breaking new ground. Electronic assistive technology is a key area of interest for David. He is always looking for new ways to expand Sargood’s offerings to be more inclusive and accessible, and to make stays that much more enjoyable and relaxing. Overhauling the home automation system in the guest rooms to make them more accessible, developing a 3D printing course for guests to learn how to use 3D printing to create their own solutions to their functional barriers; developing a customised controller to allow people with high level spinal cord injuries to drive remote control cars with their mouth; introducing new daily living equipment, and providing the latest in adaptive console, PC, and virtual reality video gaming equipment are just some of the many improvements David has introduced.

“Sargood is already an incredible facility, but there is always room for improvements,” David says, showing his passion to find new and better ways to improve accessibility. Some projects David has in the pipeline include introducing a control system to allow handsfree use of the elevators, so guests can move between floors without assistance, and collaborating on the development of an app that allows drone flying with mouth-operated joysticks. What makes Sargood special is the depth of knowledge across the team, and the supportive environment in which staff are encouraged to brainstorm ideas and bring them to life. David is an integral part of this, bringing his passion for helping those with spinal cord injuries and combining it with his incredible creativity to identify clever solutions to unique problems. Everyone at Sargood is waiting to see what ideas he comes up with next!

Occupational Therapist David Simpson (centre) with clients Greg Hulton (L) & Nathan Black (R).