From Hospital Bed to Home: The Power of Occupational Therapy

For this BCHS Occupational Therapist (OT), independence isn’t just a goal — it’s a turning point in someone’s life. Rebecca Durand began her career in 1999 in community care before transitioning to geriatric rehabilitation, where she discovered her passion for in-person collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. After relocating to Brantford in 2003, she joined BCHS and never looked back.

Working primarily in the Surgical Program and Same Day Home Total Joint Replacement Program, she helps patients regain the skills they need to return home safely and confidently after surgery or illness. From mobility training and ADL retraining to recommending adaptive equipment and home supports, her focus is always the same: maximizing functional independence while supporting smooth transitions through the hospital.

“I try to treat every patient the way I would want my family treated,” Rebecca shares. “I’m caring for members of my own community.”

Over the years, her role has spanned Emergency Department, inpatient rehab, acute care, surgical services, and even helping to develop the Hospital to Home program. While the experience broadened her skills, it also reaffirmed where her heart lies: at the frontline, working directly with patients.

One unforgettable moment stands out for Rebecca. A patient who suffered a severe femur fracture and multiple complications was once being prepared for end-of-life care in the Critical Care Unit. When she and a physiotherapy colleague assessed him, he could sit at the edge of the bed for just 15 minutes and stand for less than 30 seconds. Despite a poor prognosis, he was determined.

With time, teamwork, and unwavering perseverance, he regained his independence — eventually returning home and even walking down the aisle at his church with his walker after doctors had predicted he would never walk again.

“His determination and strength inspired all of us,” Rebecca says. “Moments like that remind you why you do this work.”

She credits BCHS’ strong interdisciplinary culture for making stories like this possible. “We are fortunate to work alongside skilled, passionate teams who truly collaborate. That support makes all the difference — both for patients and for us.”

Rebecca mentions the many mentors and colleagues at BCHS who have shaped her growth over the years.

“There are too many incredible staff to name,” Rebecca shares. “I’ve learned so much from the people around me.”

She recalls a recent collaboration with Dr. Sydney Godzisz, Chief, Department of Surgery, supporting a patient and family navigating a new palliative cancer diagnosis. She was deeply impacted by Dr. Godzisz’s compassionate, holistic approach — ensuring the family fully understood the diagnosis and its impact, while thoughtfully engaging the allied health team.

“She truly values interdisciplinary care,” she explains. “She takes the time to review our documentation, collaborates with us face-to-face, and expresses genuine gratitude for our contributions.”

With a small, but mighty team of 11 Occupational Therapists within Therapy Services, she describes BCHS as “just the right size” — large enough for diverse programs and growth opportunities, yet small enough to foster meaningful relationships and collaboration.

For those considering a career in Occupational Therapy?

“It’s an incredible field — a blend of science, psychology, creativity, and problem-solving. You have the chance to make a real impact on how someone lives their everyday life.”

Her advice to future staff considering BCHS: “Take the plunge. Every day, there will be at least one patient interaction where you go home thinking, ‘That person was lucky to have met me today — I made a difference.’”

At BCHS, that difference happens every single day.

BCHS offers more than just a job – it’s meaningful work that makes a difference. For more information on how to join TeamBCHS, visit: www.bchsys.org/careers