Clare Wayman

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

Brain Injury, Vocational Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Trauma

Introduction

Qualifying from York St John University in 2014, I have nine years of experience within the NHS and now work solely in independent practice. I currently work as an associate for Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd alongside taking independent occupational therapy referrals for assessment and rehabilitation in the community. I am required to undertake in-depth assessments and complete comprehensive reports for clients who are going through litigation due to major trauma or catastrophic injury. My main skill set is clients who have sustained acquired or traumatic brain injuries but I also assess clients who have sustained orthopaedic injuries as a result of events such as a road traffic collision. I am therefore confident in assessment for both cognitive and physical rehabilitation needs. I also have experience of working with adults with cerebral palsy, which has included assessing for and arranging updated equipment including specialist seating, bathing equipment, wheelchair accessible vehicles and environmental control to optimise independence and engagement in everyday meaningful activities.

I maintain my professional development through attending conferences, webinars and formal training events, as well as CPD sessions organised by Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd, to ensure that my practice is current and reflects best practice standards. 

I have experience of supporting clients with appealing benefit claims which requires an understanding of how their injuries/disabilities affect their function in daily tasks and have produced written reports to assist them in this process with an excellent success rate.

My skill set also includes vocational rehabilitation, taking into consideration the changes in someone's ability to return to their previous work role and liaising with employers regarding reasonable adjustments. As part of this, I have also supported  younger clients to gain additional qualifications, apply for new roles, engage in the interview process and start their new role. 

Previously I worked in inpatient complex neurological rehabilitation, which enabled me to broaden my experience further of complex neurological conditions and the earlier stages of rehabilitation, leading to discharge into the community. I developed my upper limb rehabilitation skills, enabling patients to improve their functional independence once discharged. Prior to that I worked in the community, working for a Macmillan-affiliated team, assessing and treating patients with a primary diagnosis of a brain or spinal tumour. This helped to develop my knowledge of neuro-oncology, cognitive and physical rehabilitation and complex moving and handling skills. 

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.