I have a wide range of experience and love for paediatrics and young adults, specialist skills in cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, autism and splinting, with a particular interest in hands and the upper limb. Trained at the University of East Anglia I have over seventeen years experience working across all specialisms and sectors within Paediatrics (community, hospital and social services).

 

I developed my skills in sensory integration, specifically with cerebral palsy and autism whilst working in Singapore and have continued training in this area since.  As a senior therapist at Birmingham Children’s hospital I was involved in setting up their Burns Unit whilst also carrying a neurology caseload. A move to the south west led to work as the senior therapist at Bristol Children’s hospital where I covered all specialisms including; neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, upper limb clinic and intensive care. Working for South Gloucestershire social services enhanced my skills in assessment and equipment provision and provided experience in housing and environmental adaptations.

 

Heading the paediatric service for a local disabled living centre provided opportunities to address clients’ needs that were not being met by the statutory sector. In this role I was able to develop my postural management skills further through training with the National hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. I have kept  my treatment of neurological conditions current through further training in neurodevelopmental treatment approaches and managing the neurological upper limb.

My keen interest in this area has resulted in a visiting lecturer role for the University of the West of England.

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As well as working as an independent occupational therapist, I have maintained some part-time work for the NHS. I work for a highly specialised service and cover the UK. In this role I have been invited to present at international conferences and am currently involved in international research.

 

 

Key Skills

 

• Extensive experience in the management and treatment of children and young people with various conditions, particularly Neurological conditions and autism

 

• Trained in neurodevelopmental treatment approaches

 

• Confident and experienced in postural management and sensory assessment

 

• Excellent knowledge of equipment and experience in assessment and provision

 

• Experience of housing adaptations

 

• Extensive splinting skills in thermoplastics, neoprene and x-lite

 

• Trained in treating the neurological upper limb

 

• Good problem solving skills

 

• Proven ability to work under pressure

 

• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team

 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.

 

• Rebound therapy trained

• Trained in Talk tools

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Professional Affiliations 

 

Health Professions Council (HPC) Registered

Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)

Member of the National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists