Annie Levis

Qualifications

MSc, MSCP, Dip Physiotherapy

Specialisms

• Paediatrics (particularly Cerebral Palsy) and Young Adults with Congenital Impairment

Introduction

I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1981 and have specialised in the field of paediatrics and physical disability for many years, working with babies, children and young adults with disabilities. Much of my post graduate education has been in the field of paediatrics and has included developmental physiotherapy in paediatrics, comprehensive Bobath training to an advanced level, orthotic management and clinical gait analysis in Cerebral Palsy children.

I was employed as a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Cumbria (formally St Martins College) for 17 years until December 2019. Within this role I had full responsibility as placement tutor for MSc and BSc (Hons) placement provision and quality mechanisms for work-based learning within physiotherapy. This involved, among other aspects, regular contact with practice settings and clinicians. I taught paediatric neurology at BSc and postgraduate levels, and I was also the link tutor for inter professional education.

From January 2019 until September 2021 I was lead physiotherapist at a further education college for young people with special needs. My main responsibilities were the assessment and physical management of young people who had Cerebral Palsy and other learning disabilities that impacted on physical abilities. I was involved in manual handling, equipment provision and leading exercise and hydrotherapy sessions.

I now work as a private physiotherapist with a small caseload of children and young people with physical development needs. I work as a volunteer to deliver hydrotherapy to adults with a range of conditions.

I joined Somek & Associates in 1998 as a physiotherapy expert and have written many medico-legal reports relating to clinical negligence, with particular reference to children with Cerebral Palsy and young adults with global learning disabilities. I have been instructed by Claimant, Defendant and as a Single Joint Expert. I have undergone training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.

Professional Education

2007 PGCE in HE: University of Cumbria
2005 MSc in Rehabilitation Studies: Lancaster University

Dissertation: Therapy approaches for the primary school child who has Cerebral Palsy 1981 Diploma in Physiotherapy (Leeds School of Physiotherapy / CSP)