Specialisms
- Pain (including Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and Phantom Limb Pain).
- Cauda Equina.
- Lower limb amputations.
- Complex orthopaedic injuries.
- Spinal injuries.
- Chronic musculo-skeletal conditions, including work related upper limb disorder.
- Functional neurologic disorder (FND).
- Work rehabilitation needs.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at November 2023, I am engaged in the role of Advanced Practitioner for Connect Health Pain Services for an average of 64 hours per month. I also work as Clinical Director for Link Chronic Pain Rehabilitation for an average of 30 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Alison is an experienced Physiotherapist and Chronic Pain Specialist working as a Consultant Advanced Practitioner within a community and clinic based integrated NHS service – Connect Health Pain Services. She works with individuals who are experiencing acute, chronic and degenerative pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, phantom limb pain, spinal injury, Fibromyalgia, Cauda Equina and Functional Neurologic Disorder. She also regularly works with clients with limb injuries and amputations. She is skilled in assessing and recommending interventions and treatments for clients and, where appropriate, Alison will refer clients on to other services or groups. She also offers advice and guidance to clients to ensure care packages are appropriate and suitable to their needs. Where care packages are not appropriate or suitable, Alison will liaise with other professionals or agencies on the client’s behalf.
Employment Profile
Alison has worked as a Care and Physiotherapy Expert Witness with Jacqueline Webb & Co since 2013. She has significant experience in writing detailed reports for the Court, providing recommendations on care, equipment and physiotherapy needs in relation to injured individuals. She has participated in numerous Expert Meetings and Case Conferences. She has also completed Courtroom Skills Familiarisation. Previously Alison has also written a number of reports for the Court as a Case Manager, and given evidence in Court as a Witness of Fact, instructed by the Claimant for a client with complex disability.
Alison is a Physiotherapist with over 25 years’ experience. In 2020 Alison set up her own business alongside her NHS role – Link Chronic Pain Rehabilitation. Alison, together with a team of chronic pain specialists, provide community-based, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation for individuals impacted by chronic pain following injury or medical negligence in the South-East. Alison trains and supervises other therapists as well as holding her own clinical caseload.
Alison has carried out over 600 assessments and reports for the Department for Work and Pensions Access to Work scheme.
Since qualification, much of her work experience has been in assessment and treatment of individuals in community and work settings. Alison has worked in senior positions in numerous multi-disciplinary community teams including Clinical Team Manager for a community physical disability team and Regional Clinical Case Manager for the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust. She has experience of assessing and providing care as a Case Manager for clients with brain and spinal injury. She has significant experience in manual handling training and in assessing client equipment and care needs in this field.
Alison has a special interest in pain management and rehabilitation and ergonomic equipment needs for work. She continues to attend numerous courses and is committed to continued professional development
Qualifications and Membership
- Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy, University of Coventry (1987).
- Post Graduate Diploma Health Education and Health Promotion, University of Leeds (1991).
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).
- Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health (ACPOHE).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Career History
Present
Care & Physio Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co Limited
2020-Present
Clinical Director
Link Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
2010-Present
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner Chronic Pain Specialist
Connect Health Pain Services, East Sussex
1996-2010
Senior Physiotherapist – Complex Disability (part-time)
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust (alongside developing her own consultancy work)
1994-1996
Regional Clinical Case Manager
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust
1991-1994
Clinical Manager, Physical Disability Team
Worthing Priority Care Trust
1990-1994
Community Rehabilitation
Kings College Hospital Community Services
1987-1989
Post qualification rotational post
Royal Free Hospital, London