Erika Johnson

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, BA (Hons) Sociology

Neurology, General Medicine / Surgery, Care of the Elderly, Orthopaedics

Introduction
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2002, and have specialised in the field of neurology since this time. My particular interest is in Acquired Brain Injury where I have experience dealing with clients with physical and cognitive impairments. I am also a trained AMPS user.

I was employed as a Band 7 Occupational Therapist, by The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery between April 2004 to April 2011, after which I have left to pursue experience in medico-legal work.

I have worked in a variety of clinical areas including the Acute Brain Injury Unit, the neuro-rehabilitation unit, and in outpatients, where I may see patients whose injury was some years prior, giving me vital experience of brain injury / neuromedical impairments both in the acute phase, and in the chronic phase.

My responsibilities included:
♦ Managing and clinically supervising junior staff
♦ Clinical practice at an expert level in various areas including splinting, and seating and positioning
♦ Providing education and advice to others both within the hospital and to external colleagues on a regular basis
♦ Producing clear, detailed reports
♦ Lead therapist in writing Trust algorhythm in managing the patient in low awareness state
♦ Participated in working party for developing splinting service within the Trust
♦ Attended many external and international conferences and courses including updates on ABI treatments, neuromuscular conditions, developments in motor-neurone care, vocational rehabilitation courses
♦ Joint lead therapist in setting up and running AMPS user group, including presenting, booking venues, booking speakers
♦ Involved in writing return to work template for outpatients service
♦ Lead therapist on interviewing panels
♦ Organised and presented on external courses, including on introduction to neurology course

I have treated patients with a very wide variety of neuromedical / neurosurgical and acquired brain injury diagnosis, including cognitive impairments, including verbal and physical aggression, significant physical impairments, low awareness state

I accept 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
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Neurological Practice (Committee Member)
Health Professions Council

Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC OT34985
2002     BSc Hons Occupational Therapy, Brunel University
1996     BA Hons Sociology, Durham University