Helen Bleasdale

Qualifications

BSc Physiotherapy

Specialisms

Neurological Conditions including: Brain Injury, Stroke, MS, Vestibular Disorders

Introduction

I qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in 2004, having completed my studies at Brunel University. I worked at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals (North Bristol NHS Trust) for three years, rotating round the core specialisms and gaining additional experience in rheumatology, women’s health, and hand therapy. Since 2007, I have worked in neurology, spending five years at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, where I had specialist training and clinical support from very highly skilled physiotherapists. I have worked with patients at all stages of the rehabilitation journey, from diagnosis to end of life and have worked as part of a multidisciplinary team on neurosurgical, stroke rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation wards. This included close work with other members of the team, including postural and seating assessments with occupational therapists and tracheostomy, and facial assessment and treatment with speech and language therapists.

At the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery I worked in a specialist clinic for the assessment and provision of functional electrical stimulation for gait and neuromuscular electrical stimulation as part of upper limb rehabilitation. I also completed a rotation in the Neuro-orthotics clinic working alongside an orthotist in the assessment and provision of upper and lower limb splints.  

I am confident in the assessment and treatment of central and peripheral vestibular disorders, having worked in a specialist tertiary referral clinic treating both inpatients and outpatients. I am also confident in the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with neurological symptoms as a result of stroke, cerebral palsy, brain tumour, brain haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, long-term neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease), disorders of consciousness, and neuromuscular conditions. 

Following my time at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, I worked part time in a Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre, where I was responsible for the assessment and treatment plans for residents with high levels of disability and care needs. Spasticity was a common issue requiring careful assessment and recommendations for both physical and medical management. 

I set up my own private practice in 2017, which focusses on the assessment and treatment of patients with neurological conditions in their own home. I enjoy the variety of this work, which includes patients with long term progressive neurological conditions and catastrophic brain injury from varying causes. I set goals with my patients and support and encourage them to achieve these. I have set up and run a weekly exercise class for people with neurological conditions, focusing on long term management of neurological conditions and maintaining cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.

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.