Lydia Dean

DipCOT

Orthopaedics, Neurology, General Medicine / Surgery

Introduction
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in July 1977. I have practised in the field of physical disability, specialising in hand and upper limb injuries since 1985. I was directly employed in the NHS from 1977 to 1993, following which I set up my private practice and have continued to work with the NHS on a sub-contracted basis in a variety of environments. Since 1987 I have, within the NHS, and subsequently with Adams Training and, since 1997, with Somek and Associates, been providing postgraduate training in hand therapy and orthotics, running approximately 30 courses per annum for Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists across the UK and Eire, and other parts of the world. I am a well known trainer in this field.

My various contracts with NHS organisations have included the following:
♦ Clinical Specialist in Hand Trauma and Rehabilitation and Orthotics, Northwick Park Hospital
♦ Clinical Specialist on the Hand and Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (involving hand and upper limb rehabilitation and orthotics)
♦ Senior Occupational Therapist, Community Hospital, Northwood and Pinner
♦ Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton – for patients with neurological or challenging hand conditions, including children
♦ The Panda Centre, Hawkhead Hospital, Glasgow – paediatric hand clinic
♦ The Acorn Centre, Vale of Leven – paediatric hand clinic
♦ Harrow and Hillingdon Health Authority
♦ Lewisham PCT
♦ Islington PCT
♦ Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children
♦ Scope Schools in Cardiff and Nottingham
♦ Mayday Health Trust Adults and Paediatric

Since 1993 I have also been working as as Occupational Therapist entirely in Independent Practice, developing a comprehensive private practice for patients with hand and upper limb problems, including orthotics, with many NHS contracts as detailed above. I am extremely experienced in managing all conditions affecting the hand and upper limb, including obstetric brachial plexus lesions (Erbs palsy). I have a significant private practice of patients with a variety of different hand and upper limb injuries or conditions, including a number of high profile athletes / sportsmen. I provide a range of treatments, including orthotics and advise regarding functional activities of daily living. In addition to providing a consultancy service relating to clinical practice, I am also asked to supervise senior occupational therapy staff working in this field.
I joined Somek and Associates in 1997 and I have worked as an Occupational therapy expert, and have written many medico-legal reports following instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.

Professional Affiliations
British Association of Occupational Therapists
British Association of Hand Therapists (Education Sub - Committee Member 2002 to 2010)

Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC OT09473
1977    Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists