Specialisms
- Orthopaedics including complex fractures.
- Lower limb amputation.
- Joint replacements.
- Long term neurological impairments.
- Terminal illness / Palliative care.
- Adult Cerebral Palsy.
- Associated mental health issues.
- Associated learning disabilities.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at February 2021, I am engaged in the role of Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist for Hertfordshire County Council (Adult Disability Service) an average of 120 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Alexandra commonly deals with the ongoing support and equipment needs of those with physical disabilities including lower limb amputations and orthopaedic injuries resulting from traumatic injury or elective surgeries. The cohort of individuals she frequently deals with have issues with joints, either following orthopaedic surgery, joint replacement or due to arthritis. This will often result in weakness affecting one or more limbs and/or chronic pain. Alexandra is responsible for managing their ongoing needs and will work with individuals across a wide age range.
Related to the above, many of the clients Alexandra works with suffer from neurological impairments either as a result of a traumatic event or through acquired neurological injury (Stroke, MS, MND, Parkinson’s etc). This commonly results in associated cognitive deficits and mental health complications. She has great experience in dealing with the mental health and learning disabilities of individuals with these conditions. Palliative care support is also often part of her role.
With learning difficulties in mind, Alexandra has worked closely with adults with Cerebral Palsy.
Alexandra is very comfortable dealing with a culturally diverse client group having worked in London for a significant period of time.
Employment Profile
Alexandra has worked in Social and Community Care since qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in 2004. Initially working in London with Islington Borough Council and currently with Hertfordshire County Council. She is a Senior Occupational Therapist in the Adult Disability Team and is tasked with managing the needs of clients with the more complex care needs. She carries a significant caseload of clients who have complex physical, cognitive and mental health needs.
She conducts regular functional home assessments of these clients and this also comprises a significant number of manual handling assessments. Alexandra will often work with clients for a significant period of time managing the changing level of care support, implementing and establishing the correct equipment and any housing adaptations that are required. Much of her work involves working closely with other professionals including Social Workers to facilitate the correct package of care. Alexandra also supports a team of ‘functional assessors’ who co-ordinate clients with a lower level of need. The demographic in her catchment area is broad and Alexandra is comfortable dealing with a wide range of conditions and injuries because of this.
In her role at Islington Borough Council, the client base was culturally diverse and with more social deprivation. The challenges were often safeguarding and social issues which created further challenges. The service encapsulated both rapid response and supported discharge services making for a fast-paced role.
Qualifications and Membership
- BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Brunel University (2004)
- Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).
Career History
Present
Care Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co Ltd
2019-Present
Advanced Practitioner – Adult Disability Team
Hertfordshire County Council
2017-2019
Senior Occupational Therapist – Adult Disability Team
Hertfordshire County Council
2016-2017
Senior Occupational Therapist – Older People and Physical Disabilities Team
Hertfordshire County Council
2004-2016
Occupational Therapist
Islington Borough Council