Christine Elliott

Qualifications

PhD, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, PGC Clinical Research

Specialisms

• Orthopaedics
• Liver Disease & Transplants
• General Medicine & Surgery
• Chronic Pain
• Fatigue 

Introduction

I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2002 and prior to this supported people (including children and young people) with learning disabilities and autism. I am currently an independent practitioner working with both children and adults. My caseload includes those with physical & cognitive, neuro diverse, and sensory difficulties. I carry out assessments and provide tailored therapeutic interventions to people with acute injuries and for those requiring rehabilitation, for long-term conditions, and complex needs. I also work with local authorities and education settings to develop therapeutic learning environments for children and young people with additional learning needs.

My clinical experience includes COPD and cardio-pulmonary disease and rehabilitation, chronic pain, fatigue, trauma and orthopaedics, addiction and dependency, gastroenterology and liver disease, general surgery (including stoma care), care of the elderly and falls, cognitive dysfunction, and acquired head injury.   

In 2012, I became the first occupational therapist to graduate from Newcastle School of Medicine with a PhD ‘Exploring the function of people with liver disease’ and became a British College of Occupational Therapy Merit Award winner for contribution to Occupational Therapy in 2013. I am published in international therapy and medical journals for my research in long term conditions, fatigue, cognition, and functional ability.

I developed an occupational therapy NHS service in respiratory medicine. I have experience leading National priority projects for the National Institute of Health Research, strategising and implementing clinical research initiatives throughout local Clinical Research Networks, NHS Trusts and partner organisations. I currently deliver national training to healthcare professionals and local authority staff on government guidance for disability benefits.

I accept instruction 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.