Richard Chana

Richard Chana

Occupational Therapist & Care Expert

Qualifications

MSc Clinical Research Methods, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

  • Elderly Care
  • Dementia
  • Orthopaedics
  • General Medicine/Surgery
  • Sensory Impairment

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2008. During my career I have gained experience in providing rehabilitation to adults and elderly clients in a community setting, both in their own homes and in Community Care Beds.

I currently work in an occupational health setting. My duties require me to utilise my clinical expertise to give advice on functional capacity regarding an employee’s job demands, and then recommend ergonomic advice and rehabilitation programmes. Many of these employees have complex health problems or disabilities, and I aim to assist them to remain at, or return to work. I work as an autonomous practitioner and am professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of my own workload. I work in a variety of clinical and workplace settings, and across contracts including blue collar, white collar, and Government organisations.

Previously I led a team of therapists within a community care bed setting, promoting a high-quality client centred service. Common conditions I frequently assessed and treated clients for included bone fractures, recovery from surgery, falls, acute infections, cerebrovascular accidents, general deterioration (physical and/or cognitive), arthritic conditions, and exacerbations of co-morbid conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I also have experience of treating clients with amputations and more complex neurological problems. In addition, I assessed clients' longer term care needs at a Dementia care unit and applied for packages of care to suit their needs. This involved conducting mental capacity assessments and making best interest decisions.

I have significant experience of assessing for equipment to facilitating clients to maintain a level of independence at home. I am proficient in conducting complex moving and handling assessments; and assessing for equipment to enable clients to be cared for at home, or in a residential setting. Additionally, I have also provided expert advice, support, and guidance on casework to less experienced team members, both registered and unregistered.

In addition, I have experience of conducting Employment Support Allowance assessments for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). This process involved gathering, reviewing, and analysing large amounts of data to develop a concise, robust, and comprehensive report to enable a decision maker at the DWP to make informed decisions regarding each claim.

I have completed an MSc in Clinical Research Methods, which provided me with an in-depth understanding of the processes and techniques involved in clinical research. Following this, I worked in a research setting investigating the feasibility of using a routine screening tool in care homes.

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.