Specialisms
- Traumatic and acquired brain injury.
- Complex presentation and multiple diagnosis.
- Neurological conditions such as stroke, encephalitis, early onset dementia and hydrocephalus.
- Dual diagnosis of psychiatric and neurological disorder.
- Associated orthopaedic injuries.
- Vocational rehabilitation.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at September 2020, I am engaged in the role of Case Manager for Brownbill Associates Limited for an average of 80 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Karen works with adult clients affected by neurological injury or disorder. She has experience of supporting individuals and their families from the early stages of recovery through to long term community resettlement. Owing to the complex needs of this client group, Karen has worked across a broad range of settings, including long stay and secure care and rehabilitation environments.
Rehabilitation has commonly included the management and remediation of cognitive, executive and behavioural disorders. Due to the nature of brain injury, many clients also have physical rehabilitation needs, including the management of posture, tone and spasticity, orthopaedic injuries, sensory loss and fatigue. In dealing with the consequences of such life changing injuries, clients may also present with psychological reaction and disorder. Such complex presentations can result in high levels of vulnerability. As such, Karen is highly skilled in risk assessment and analysis of needs, in order to maximise functional independence.
Employment Profile
Karen has worked as an independent Care Expert Witness since 2015 and has completed numerous reports for use in litigation. This role has also included attendance at case conferences and experts’ meetings. In 2020, she completed a Courtroom Skills Familiarisation Day with Inspire MediLaw.
Karen currently works as an independent Case Manager within the private sector, supporting clients and their families following brain injury. Given the nature of such injuries, Karen is experienced in working with those with multi-pathology. She is used to managing complex care packages and has experience of both agency and directly employed care. Her role also encompasses meeting the client’s rehabilitation, vocational, health, social and housing needs, in order to maximise their well-being and quality of life.
Karen began her career as an Occupational Therapist in 2007 and has spent the majority of her time working in neuro-rehabilitation services. She has worked within the public sector in Social Services and the NHS, and for specialist providers. Karen has experience in supporting clients from the acute stage of their injury and into slow stream and long term community rehabilitation. As such, she has been able to experience directly the long term impact of brain injury upon individuals and their families.
Karen has worked with clients who have wide ranging and complex needs, including severe cognitive, communication, psychological and behavioural issues. Having supported clients affected by severe brain injury and a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, she is also confident in dealing with complex physical and sensory disability. Her work has also included working with clients detained under the Mental Health Act, and with dual diagnosis of neurological disorder. This variety of experience has enhanced Karen’s understanding of the psychological impact of disability for the client and their family, and enabled her to be flexible and creative in her approaches.
Karen remains passionate about neuro-rehabilitation and keeps up to date with current research and approaches. She is a member of the British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers.
Qualifications and Membership
- BSc (Hons)Occupational Therapy, First Class, University of Plymouth (2007).
- Access to Science, Bridgwater College (2004).
- Certificate in Social Sciences, Open University (2003).
- Member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM).
Career History
Present
Care Expert
Jacqueline Webb & Company Ltd
2018-Present
Case Manager
Brownbill Associates Limited
2011-Present
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
Krysalis Consultancy
2015-2017
Senior Neurological Occupational Therapist
Early Supported Discharge Team for Stroke and TBI NHS
2008-2012
Senior Neurological Occupational Therapist
Glenside Healthcare
2007-2008
Social Services Occupational Therapist
Wiltshire County Council
1994-2007
Manager/Consultancy
Daniel A Hanson, Nottingham/Somerset