Emma Benfield, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2008 and have worked as a clinical case manager, alongside my occupational therapy roles, since 2013. I have worked with clients with a variety of physical and mental health conditions both in the statutory and private sectors, including as occupational therapy team lead at the Royal London Hospital within physical rehabilitation. These clinical roles have provided me with a wide clinical knowledge base and an in-depth understanding of the impact of pain, disability and loss of function.

My experience in occupational therapy and clinical case management includes working with clients with complex orthopaedic conditions, limb amputations, stoma care and incontinence, falls risks, cognitive impairments, pain management, and mental health conditions such as PTSD and generalised anxiety. I have supported case management clients in successfully obtaining adaptations for their homes, returning to work or study, increasing their day to day independence, prescribing mobility and personal care equipment, accessing multidisciplinary therapy input and recruiting and setting up care and support as required. I work closely with clients and their families for substantial periods of time and have a very good understanding of both the need and cost of care, equipment, therapy and accommodation needs, which I apply in my work as an expert witness when assessing claimants

I have prepared a large number of reports for private clients and have excellent clinical and analytical skills. I have received excellent feedback from instructing parties on my abilities as a clinical case manager and am able to apply my knowledge and understanding to complete thorough occupational therapy and care assessments of claimants and their needs.

Professional Development

I have facilitated training across therapy departments within the NHS and privately, including for the personal injury department of a law firm. I have also been commissioned by a law firm to write articles on coping with catastrophic injuries for their website and have worked with the RFU Injured Players Foundation in their research to develop mental health services for their clients.

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