Jessica Macpherson, Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I am a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, and I have specialised in the treatment of children and young adults with cerebral palsy since 2007, after qualifying in 2004. In 2013, I set up my own business. I have gained specialist skills and training associated with treating children with cerebral palsy and in 2020 I treated craniopagus twins that were separated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I work with families going through the litigation process due to brain injury.

My role includes assessing, devising care plans and training carers on the moving and handling of my clients, for which I have specific training. Due to my extensive experience, I can confidently state the number of day and night carers that are required for the client's level of need. As part of my assessment of the manual handling tasks, I am able to recommend an increase in the care package, for example to increase the cares from 1:1 carer regime to a 2:1 due to, the client's age, size or health decline. I draw on my experience of working alongside case managers with children who have profound and complex cerebral palsy and I therefore have indirect experience managing carers and working with case managers on day-day basis. I also use my knowledge of care packages to determine and quantify treatment and rehabilitation goals.

I have skills in paediatric equipment adaptations, wheelchair and static seating systems and bespoke hand splinting. I assess and provide visual programs to develop dressing and play skills. I also provide bespoke training packages to the child's caregivers for them to gain an increased understanding of the child's difficulties, the importance of participation in the child's life and how the carer can assist the child in daily activities. I have a passion for enabling children with brain injuries to participate in activities and work diligently to achieve this through researching for a specialist toy/device and working closely with the child's caregiver to enable them to facilitate the child in meaningful play. I enjoy being creative and in my career this has enabled me to assess and make bespoke hand splints for my client group.

Professional Development

I have completed Bobath training and I have a specific training in manual handling to train caregivers. I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.