Jillian Bowyer

DipCOT

Orthopaedics, Chronic Pain, General Medicine / Surgery, Care of the Elderly

Introduction
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1982 since when I have worked mainly with clients with physical disability both in an acute setting and in the community. Since 2004 I have held the role of Occupational Therapist Principle Officer, Community Care Physical Disability with Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. From October 2010 I have also been involved in a pilot scheme in South East Bolton, in line with Putting People First and Transforming Social Care. This involves the assessment of Initial Personal Budgets, and Self Directed Support with an emphasis on re-ablement and self-care to improve and maintain the independence of the service users. I assist service users as necessary, in making appropriate decisions to buy services to best meet their needs. I also act as Care Manager / Occupational Therapist.

I continue to hold responsibilities in my second role as Principal Officer within the Community Care Physical Disability Team however from February 2010 this role / service was changed to Re-ablement / Disability Equipment Service. My responsibilities include:
♦ Assessment and provision of specialist input into meeting the needs of physically disabled children and adults with a view to promoting their independence by offering advice, specialist equipment and / or major adaptations
♦ Provision of specialist advice to Service Users, Carers and the Disability Officer’s Teams on the nature, impact and management of disability
♦ Acting as key worker in the supervision and management of major complex adaptation schemes, involving liaison with other agencies and staff as necessary
♦ Offering advice on equipment and/or adaptations which would reduce risk and promote independence
♦ Close liaison with the Housing Department advising Surveyors on major adaptations, heating and other housing needs
♦ Assisting the Team Leader with managing and prioritising the work of the team, the supervision of the Disability Officers, and the equipment budget
♦ Training staff in use of equipment, both within the team and Carers working in social care in the community, and Service User's families
♦ Carrying out Manual Handling Assessments, carer training and appropriate reports

In addition, I also undertake medico legal work for Somek and Associates. 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

Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC: OT11571
1982    Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists