Suzi Rodd

Qualifications

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

Specialisms

• Neurological Conditions
• Brain Injury
• Physical and Learning Disabilities
• Case Management
• Orthopaedics

Introduction

I am an experienced Occupational Therapist with expertise in providing assessments and clinical interventions for individual patients (adults and children). I qualified in 1995 and have worked as an independent clinician since 2008 assisting clients with a range of therapy needs. 

I work with clients with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brachial plexus injury, brain injury, amputation, complex and poly trauma resulting in orthopaedic injuries including upper and lower limb injuries and those with learning difficulties. I have compiled many reports which outline therapy and predicted therapy needs. I have a special interest in those who have acquired neurological conditions or complex physical and / or learning disabilities. I have extensive experience working with those with complex postural difficulties, and who require access to specialist equipment, property adaptation and changes to vehicles to meet their needs. 

I commenced the role of case manager in 2008, working with clients prior to and following settlement, for adults and children who have brain injury and / or complex physical and psychological disabilities. In September 2021, I was appointed as the Clinical Lead of Breakthrough Case Management, providing quality assurance, mentoring and supervision to other case managers in the company. 

In June 2022, I formed Elm Case Management, my client caseload transferred, and Elm Case Management became CQC registered July 2022.  Within my case management role, my input has included initial needs assessments, discharge planning, commencing, monitoring and reviewing MDT input, liaising with building project management teams and overseeing adaptations. The role also extends to include linking with the litigation teams as required. With the ethos that aims to enable the client to live in a manner as close as possible to the lifestyle they would have had or seek alternatives as the situations evolve. I have, and continue to recruit support workers, manage complex care packages and co-ordinate team meetings as required.

I also work in an independent Occupational Therapy role, I undertake work for adults and children with complex disabilities. This role includes direct treatment, equipment provision and advice regarding adaptive housing and access to education.

After qualifying as an OT, and prior to commencing independent therapy and case management, I  worked within the NHS in the areas of inpatient and intermediate rehabilitation, neurology, orthopaedics and hand rehabilitation. I have also worked for paediatric charities, a private head injury rehabilitation unit and in Social Services.

I commenced working as an expert witness in 2008, and in 2011 joined Somek and Associates. 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 the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses. I have completed joint statements and attended court on a number of occasions.

Professional Affiliations
British Association of Occupational Therapists
Full Member of Expert Witness Institute