Jennifer Paul, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I am a highly experienced Occupational Therapist, and qualified in 2004. I have specialised in neurological rehabilitation since 2008, and have worked with a wide range of neurological conditions including brain injury, stroke and progressive neurological conditions. During my time working within neurological rehabilitation I have developed extensive clinical skills and knowledge in a range of assessment and treatment approaches, to manage varying complexities of physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties.

I currently work as a Neuro Navigator and Occupational Therapist within a brain injury service. As part of my clinical role I undertake initial assessments, identifying the rehabilitation needs of someone following an acquired brain injury, and offering clinical advice to treating teams as required. Where there is a clinical indication for specialist rehabilitation I am responsible for identifying an appropriate placement and ensuring a timely discharge is completed back to the person's local area.

I also complete initial assessments on behalf of the MDT as part of my community neurological occupational therapy role, both independently and jointly with other disciplines. These assessments focus on identifying a client’s needs and if community neurological rehabilitation input is required, and sign posting to more appropriate services is required. which can include referral to other disciplines for assessments, both within the team and externally. Part of the initial assessment involves educating clients and managing expectations of treatment. I have also run and devised clinical treatment groups, drawing on literature from across the diagnostic groups and have used outcome measures to reflect change.

I am also a best interest assessor, and provide capacity and best interest assessments under the deprivation of liberty safeguards.

Professional Development

I have recently studied for an MSc in Neurological Rehabilitation, which made me question practices and look in detail at current evidence in treatments to ensure I continue to offer care and treatment to the highest standard.
I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training