Sara Dickinson

I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1986, having completed my studies at the Manchester School of Physiotherapy.  I specialise in the fields of trauma, orthopaedics and elderly care.

Since 1999 I have worked at Ashtead Hospital, a private hospital in Surrey treating a predominantly in-patient caseload. I also supervise physiotherapy staff and students on a regular basis. 

For three years between 2003 and 2006 I was fully responsible for the provision of Manual Handling Training to all disciplines for two hospitals in the group and I represented the physiotherapy department on the Hospital Health and Safety Committee.

Current hospital responsibilities include day to day management of a predominantly orthopaedic and spinal surgery caseload.

Until the end of 2020 I had a private practice concentrating on the provision of domiciliary physiotherapy to the elderly and to patients recovering from surgery or illness. This service was provided in patients’ own homes or in residential and nursing homes.

I enjoy a wide clinical caseload including:

•  Post-operative conditions including elective orthopaedic surgery, both upper and lower limb and spinal.
•  Revision surgery, both peripheral and spinal.
•  Acute pain.
•  Vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis.
•  Suspected cauda equina syndrome.
•  Falls.

I joined Somek and Associates in 2009 as a physiotherapy expert and have reported on both liability and quantum matters. I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers and have acted as a Single Joint Expert. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses. I have given oral evidence in court and have been recommended by both Claimant and Defendant lawyers and counsel.