Jacinta Sharp

Qualifications

BSc Applied Science (Physiotherapy), PG Cert Stroke Care

Specialisms

Traumatic Brain Injury, Degenerative Neurological Conditions, MS, MND & Stroke

Introduction

I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1999, working as a rotational junior for one year in Sydney before moving to the UK. Since 2001 I have specialised in neurology, working across inpatients, outpatients, supported discharge and community teams. My caseload throughout my career has covered a broad range of neurological conditions, most extensively stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic or acquired brain injury, traumatic or acquired spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy (as an adult) as well as other progressive, degenerative neurological conditions. 

Since 2018, I have worked as a private physiotherapist (sole trader) in the field of neurology, this role ensures that I continue to practice as a specialist clinician. Working in the private sector also involves report writing to evidence clinical need for physiotherapy and for continuing healthcare funding and these reports are provided to case managers, solicitors and insurers, as evidence of progress. Currently my private practice is my main employment, though I am frequently employed via the NHS bank to work in neuro-physiotherapy roles. 

During my NHS work, my managerial roles have also involved business proposals and service justification which has similarities to expert witness work in the need for evidence based opinion and an understanding of client needs in the short and long term. My clinical NHS roles have been most recently in outpatient adult neurology and community stroke teams, assessing, advising and treating patients with varied neurological conditions including spinal cord injury, traumatic or acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis.

Neurology has been a special interest of mine and I continue to develop my professional expertise with attending regular workshops, conferences and training. I am a member of a local neurology special interest group and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN).

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.