Our Experts
Heather Appleby
BSc (Hons), DM
Orthopaedics, General Medicine / Surgery, Care of the Elderly
Introduction
I am an experienced Occupational Therapist, having qualified from the London School of Occupational Therapy in 1995. I have specialised in the field of adult physical disability gaining a broad range of clinical experience within the acute setting, including orthopaedics, oncology, haematology, general medicine, stroke, neuromedicine and neurosurgery.
I was a founding member of the Trust Stroke team (STEP) leading to service developments that have been recognised nationally through performance reports and awards (HSJ award in 2006).
As a senior manager within the multidisciplinary service, I am actively engaged in reviewing patient pathways, aiming to reduce length of stay, thus improving the quality of care and patient experience. More recently, I have been engaged in the review of elective and trauma orthopaedic surgery pathways.
I am currently employed by the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust as the Professional Lead for Occupational therapy. I lead on the development of Occupational therapy within the acute setting, continually reviewing the effectiveness of the service and ensuring that the needs of the patients and organisation are met. I maintain a clinical caseload by covering a variety of clinical areas during periods of leave or high demand. A significant part of the role is supervising and advising junior staff on complex cases, such as 24 hour care management plans, positioning and seating options and other appropriate aids and adaptations. I also scrutinise reports dealing with rehabilitation requests and referrals for community services.
In addition, I act as an Occupational therapy expert witness accepting instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal 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
Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC OT 24475
2002 Diploma in Management, recognised by the Chartered Institute of Management
1995 BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, London School of Occupational Therapy