Emma Barnes, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I am an occupational therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, this has focused predominantly on neurorehabilitation including brain injuries; stroke; progressive neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease; and functional neurological disorder. I am confident in the assessment and rehabilitation of a patient's physical, cognitive, psychological, behavioural and social limitations. I have considerable experience working with patients at all stages of their rehabilitation journey, from the hyperacute stages to the transition from hospital to home, reintegrating into daily life and returning to work.

In my current role, I am the clinical lead occupational therapist for NHS Lothian’s specialist rehabilitation service. This encompasses an inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation unit focusing on neurorehabilitation including brain injuries; stroke, functional neurological disorder and progressive neurological conditions; amputees and orthopaedic cases. My clinical practice is imbedded in ongoing learning and development and I have completed a post graduate certificate in Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

Additionally, I manage NHS Lothian’s vocational rehabilitation service and latterly this has been an area of clinical focus for my development. While undertaking an MSc in Occupational Therapy my research focus was on the occupational therapist’s role in health at work. I am responsible for the ongoing leadership and development of occupational therapy intervention across these services and provide training, mentorship and support to the occupational therapists in my team and more broadly across NHS Lothian.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.