Jessica Macpherson

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Full Member of Expert Witness Institute (MEWI)

Specialisms

• Paediatrics
• Cerebral Palsy
• Erbs Palsy
• Brain Injury & Neurology

Introduction

I am a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, and I have specialised in the treatment of children and young adults with cerebral palsy for much of my career since qualifying in 2004.  In 2013, I set up my own business. I have gained specialist skills and training associated with treating children with cerebral palsy and in 2020 I treated craniopagus twins that were separated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Due to my client base, I work with families going through the litigation process due to brain injury to their child.

I have worked both in the public and private sector. I started my professional career working in the NHS completing a rotation in physical disabilities, before specialising in paediatrics in 2007. I was the lead occupational therapist for the under-fives with complex needs and the upper limb clinic at Lewisham University Hospital and I completed Bobath training in 2011 during my time in this role.

My role includes assessing, devising care plans and training carers on the moving and handling of my clients, for which I have specific training. I have a Level 4 Advanced Children and Risk Assessment Key Trainer's Certificate. Due to my extensive experience, I can confidently state the number of day and night carers that are required for the client's level of need.  As part of my assessment of the manual handling tasks, there have been occasions when I have recommended an increase in the care package, for example to increase the cares from 1:1 carer regime to a 2:1 due to, e.g., the client's age, size or health decline. I draw on my experience of working alongside case managers with children with profound and complex cerebral palsy and I therefore have indirect experience managing carers and working with case managers on day-day basis, and I understand the process. I also use my knowledge of care packages to determine and quantify treatment and rehabilitation goals. 

I have skills in paediatric equipment adaptations, wheelchair and static seating systems and bespoke hand splinting. I assess and provide visual programs to develop dressing and play skills. I also provide bespoke training packages to the child's caregivers for them to gain an increased understanding of the child's difficulties, the importance of participation in the child's life and how the carer can assist the child in daily activities. I have a passion for enabling children with brain injuries to participate in activities and work diligently to achieve this through researching for a specialist toy/device and working closely with the child's caregiver to enable them to facilitate the child in meaningful play. I enjoy being creative and in my career this has enabled me to assess and make bespoke hand splints for my client group.

In 2017 I became an associate for Somek. I have used my in-depth knowledge and experience to prepare expert witness reports for children and young adults. I have experience of costing for past and future occupational therapy and care for both personal injury and medical negligence claims. 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.