Helen Griffiths

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MSc Professional Studies

Specialisms

• Physical Disabilities
• Trauma
• Orthopaedics
• Brain Injury and Rehabilitation

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1999 and have experience in the health and social care sector, expert witness work and case management. Since graduation I have worked with the NHS in a variety of inpatient fields, and more recently in a community resource team.

I have worked as an NHS Occupational Therapist within the fields of trauma and orthopaedics, physical disabilities, adult mental health, elderly rehabilitation and community rehabilitation. This has given me a broad experience of disability and of recommending care, equipment, and adaptations. My interest in working holistically led me into case management where I have been able to support clients who have sustained brain injuries, and who have had  medical negligence claims. I also work as a private Occupational Therapist, I complete detailed assessments of activities of daily living and make recommendations for follow up interventions. I am skilled at assessing the impact of disability on an individual's activities of daily living, and addressing these through rehabilitation and equipment provision.

I use client centred principles to complete assessments, and use a holistic approach to explore areas of difficulty. I love working as part of a multi disciplinary team, and also working with clients and families to find solutions to issues with their daily lives. I always use reflection and feedback from others to develop my skills, as part of my continued professional development.

I am a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the Health and Care Professions Council and the British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management.

I completed the Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness certificate in 2021 and now accept expert witness instructions. I carry out complex initial assessments and provide high quality reports with recommendations.

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.