Our Experts
Chris Freestone
RGN
Orthopaedics, Neurology
Introduction
Having qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1991, I subsequently undertook the ENB371 Spinal Cord Injuries Course at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and have remained in the field of neurological care. I have extensive experience as a Nurse, Case Manager and at Director level in a range of physical disabilities.
In 1997 I became Manager of the Case Management Service at the Stanmore Spinal Unit followed by a period of lecturing at South Bank University in both pre and post registration education. I was course leader for the spinal injuries course and also taught multi disciplinary manual handling, rehabilitation and pre registration nursing.
Having specialised for many years in the field of physical disability, particularly spinal cord injury and neurological conditions, I now manage and run my own case management organisation, Total Community Care. This provides specialist care services for individuals with a spinal cord injury and other complex neurological conditions such as brain injury. I am a Registered Manager completing two successful inspections by the regulator, having been awarded an 'excellent' rating. I manage a number of severely disabled people living successfully in the community, planning and implementing complex care packages.
I joined Somek and Associates in 1998 as a Nurse Specialist, and provide medico-legal reports for personal injury and medical negligence litigation, in relation to nursing and care. 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
Royal College of Nursing
Multi disciplinary association of spinal cord injury professionals (MASCIP)
Professional Education
Registration Number: NMC Pin: 88I1430E
2005 Registered Manager's Award, NVQ 4
1999 Certified Manual Handling Trainer, DRH Associates, Disability Living Foundation (Updates in 1999, 2004 & 2009)
1998 Further Adult Education Teaching Certificate, Aylesbury College, Buckinghamshire
1993 ENB 371 Spinal Injuries Course, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex
1991 Registered General Nurse, Romford College of Nursing and Midwifery