Specialisms
- Complex orthopaedic injuries including multiple trauma.
- Joint replacement surgery (mainly hips, knees and shoulders).
- Upper and lower limb amputations.
- Fractures in older patients.
- Spinal injuries (without cord involvement, such as spinal fractures, disc compressions, lesions).
- Cauda Equina.
- Hand injuries.
- Associated pain.
- Associated internal injuries.
- Associated pressure sores.
- Associated visual loss or impairment.
- Associated mental health.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at November 2021, I am engaged in the role of Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for an average of 130 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Helen commonly deals with the ongoing support and equipment needs of those with orthopaedic injuries resulting from traumatic injury or pre and post 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 in one limb and/or chronic pain. Helen also manages clients following major trauma where an individual’s needs can be complex and long term. Helen is responsible for managing their ongoing needs, both physical and psychological, and will work with individuals across a wide age range.
Employment Profile
Helen is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and has spent the vast majority of her career specialising in the area of Trauma and Orthopaedics. Since 2002 she has worked as Clinical Lead supervising a large team of occupational therapists and support staff across a number of wards, including; elective surgery, trauma, specialist fractured neck of femur ward for older patients, and spinal fractures/lesions/surgery. Her team are involved in carrying out functional activities of daily living assessments for timely discharges, providing equipment and advice, recommending care needs, liaising with outside agencies and working towards maximising independence.
Helen is responsible for the careful planning of each patient’s safe and successful discharge home and closely advises and liaises with the intermediate care team or the community care team about the individual’s longer term care needs.
She also manages a service to out-patient/pre-op assessment clinics for patients undergoing total hip replacement as well as overseeing hand therapy and splinting.
In addition to her management and supervisory duties, she always carries her own complex clinical caseload which is largely driven by the demands of each individual ward. Helen has additional responsibilities that include; being the Major Trauma Rehabilitation Co-ordinator for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Moving and Handling Key Trainer, and Co-ordinator for Inpatient Therapies and Clinical Practice Facilitator for Occupational Therapy.
Helen deals with chronic pain patients on a regular basis, in particular those who have suffered fractures or other trauma and are dealing with the long term effects of this on their long term function. She also works closely with the pain team who work with patients throughout their inpatient recovery.
Helen is an APPLE accredited Fieldwork Educator (educating students from Salford, Sheffield, York, Liverpool and Lancaster Universities).
Qualifications and Membership
- BSc (Hons) OT, St Loyes School of Occupational Therapy, Exeter University (1996).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).
- Royal College of Occupational Therapy Specialist Section – Trauma and Musculoskeletal Health (RCOTSS-TMH).
Career History
Present
Care Expert
Jacqueline Webb & Co Ltd
2002-Present
Lead OT, Trauma and Orthopaedics
Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
2001-2002
Senior II OT, Trauma and Orthopaedics
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
1999-2001
Locum Occupational Therapist
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, Royal Bolton Hospital, Whitby Hospital, Stepping Hill Hospital
1998-1999
Senior II OT (rotation)
Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester NHS Trust
1996-1998
Basic Grade OT (rotation)
Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham