Claire Blair

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

Paediatric Conditions, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Erby's Palsy, & Brain Injury.

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2001 and have spent most of my career working in paediatrics. I began working in paediatrics in 2002 and have worked solely in community paediatrics since 2008 in the NHS and most recently in a charitable organisation. I have worked with children aged 0-18 in a variety of settings including home, nursery, special and mainstream schools. I manage a large caseload of children with a variety of needs, including severe and complex neuro-developmental and developmental delay including cerebral palsy, autism and learning difficulties. I can assess for specialist equipment to provide 24 hour postural management.

I have a particular interest in children with neurological conditions, specifically hemiplegia. I have undergone specialist training in this area to provide Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual Therapy. I maintain and develop my skills by attending updates and training through my membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Children, Young People and Families Specialist Section.

I communicate effectively with the children, families and multi-disciplinary team I work with. I produce comprehensive therapy goals and programmes focussing on function and independence. Following comprehensive and robust assessment I produce detailed reports and advice focussing on best practice and current research. I contribute to EHCP reports and targets regularly in my current role.

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.