Lauren Smith, Care/Occupational Therapist
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Specialisms
Hand and Wrist injuries, Orthopaedics (Upper Limb), CRPS, Soft Tissue Injuries & General Medicine
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Professional Experience
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist from Southampton University in 1999 and have always had a keen interest in hand and wrist rehabilitation. I have worked as a senior hand therapist since 2012 and have been in my current band 7 role since 2022. This involves working with an acute and trauma-related caseload. I treat a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, using holistic assessments and various rehabilitation modalities. I predominantly treat traumatic injuries, post trauma and elective hand and wrist surgery, CRPS and rheumatological conditions.
I create individualised thermoplastic splints, design rehabilitation programmes, help manage wounds, pain, scars, oedema and guide patients towards functional goals. I have developed high-level communication skills working alongside surgeons and therapists in trauma clinics and regularly write reports for GPs and other professionals.
I have also completed four British Association of Hand Therapist (BAHT) courses.
Professional Development
I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.
Medico Legal Experience
I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.