Helen Downes

DipCOT

Orthopaedics, Neurology, General Medicine / Surgery, Mental Health, Care of the Elderly, Multiple injuries

Introduction
I am an Independent Occupational Therapist and Case Manager with over 24 years of experience working in rehabilitation and vocational programmes, with all age groups, covering traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, amputations, pain management and musculo-skeletal disorders. These cases have involved assessment of need, implementation of recommendations / treatment programmes, setting up of care packages, buddy working and implementation of vocational rehabilitation programmes. I am regularly instructed to work on catastrophic cases, carry out Immediate Needs Assessment and Vocational Rehabilitation Programmes for major insurance companies, employers and solicitors and undertake contracts for Social Service Departments. I have been instructed or worked with the following companies: Head Injury First, Brain Injury South Wales, Rehab without Walls, Kynexia, Careplan, and member of the NFU Mutual panel of OTs, Norwich Union, Argent Rehabilitation, individual solicitors and clients.

Summary of Clinical Skills / Experience
♦ Since 1997, working in the statutory sector as a Case Manager / Occupational Therapist, working with children, adults, adolescents, and the elderly, with a variety of complex physical and psychological problems.
♦ Implementing treatment programmes to promote rehabilitation and return to work.
♦ Promotion of independence with activities of daily living, personal care, employment and leisure.
♦ Advising on equipment and adaptation provision.
♦ Working in partnership with architects and surveyors on designing major schemes for the disabled.
♦ Lead professional in risk assessment, moving and handling.
♦ Three years managerial post, which focused on service delivery, establishing criteria of service, strategic planning, research projects and recruitment and supervision of a large team of Occupational Therapists.
♦ Supervisor / Mentor for Occupational Therapists in private practice.
♦ Thirteen years in independent practice as an Occupational Therapist / Case Manager assessing and implementing rehabilitation and vocational programmes, with insurance companies, solicitors, local authorities, charities and individuals. Conditions include musculo-skeletal disorders, traumatic brain injury, amputees, burns, pain management and spinal injuries.

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
Occupational Therapy in Private Practice (OTIPP)
Occupational Therapy Specialist Interest Group in Housing
Occupational Therapy in Work Practice and Productivity (OTWPP)
National Association of Neurological Occupational Therapists (NANOT)
National Association of Pain Management.
National Vocational Rehabilitation Association
Special Interest Group in Pain Management
Spinal Injuries Association
CMSUK
Member of the Health Professions Council

Professional Education
Registration Number: OT07756
1975    DipCOT (Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy)