Clare Wayman, Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualifying from York St John University in 2014, I have nine years of experience within the NHS and now work in independent practice. I currently work as an associate for Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd alongside taking independent occupational therapy referrals for assessment and rehabilitation in the community. I am required to undertake in-depth assessments and complete comprehensive reports for clients who are going through litigation due to major trauma or catastrophic injury. My main skill set is clients who have sustained acquired or traumatic brain injuries but I also assess clients who have sustained orthopaedic injuries as a result of events such as a road traffic collision. I am confident in assessment for both cognitive and physical rehabilitation needs.

I also have experience of working with adults with cerebral palsy, which has included assessing for and arranging updated equipment including specialist seating, bathing equipment, wheelchair accessible vehicles and environmental control to optimise independence and engagement in everyday meaningful activities.

My skill set also includes vocational rehabilitation, taking into consideration the changes in someone's ability to return to their previous work role and liaising with employers regarding reasonable adjustments. I have also supported younger clients to gain additional qualifications, apply for new roles, engage in the interview process and start their new role. I also have experience of supporting clients who are appealing benefit claims, this requires an understanding of how their injuries/disabilities affect their function in daily tasks. I have produced written reports to assist this process with an excellent success rate.

Previously, I worked in inpatient complex neurological rehabilitation, which enabled me to broaden my experience of complex neurological conditions and the earlier stages of rehabilitation, leading to discharge into the community. I developed my upper limb rehabilitation skills, enabling patients to improve their functional independence. Prior to that I worked in the community, working for a Macmillan-affiliated team, assessing and treating patients with a primary diagnosis of a brain or spinal tumour. This helped to develop my knowledge of neuro-oncology, cognitive and physical rehabilitation and complex moving and handling.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards through attending conferences, webinars and formal training events, as well as CPD sessions organised by Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd, to ensure that my practice is current and reflects best practice standards.