Specialisms
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Spinal injuries such as spinal fractures.
- Cauda Equina.
- Orthopaedic injuries and joint replacements.
- Neurological conditions.
- Chronic pain.
- Cancer.
- Terminal illness/palliative care.
- Associated respiratory and cardiac conditions.
- Associated mental health.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at October 2024, I am engaged in the role of Area Service Manager for Oxfordshire County Council for an average of 150 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Rachel has extensive experience of supporting clients with complex needs in the community and is responsible for their ongoing care, equipment and adaptations needs.
She commonly works with clients with spinal and spinal cord injuries, back injuries, cauda equina, chronic pain, orthopaedic injuries, hip/knee replacements, fractures and arthritis.
Many of Rachel’s clients have multiple diagnoses including neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease), learning disabilities or psychological injuries, which often result in associated cognitive impairments and mental health complications.
Rachel is adept in supporting clients who have other needs in addition to their injuries, including safe-guarding, behavioural issues, addiction, and complex family/carer dynamics.
In addition to her own caseload, as Area Service Manager/Head of Service for Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care Team, Rachel leads a large integrated team of occupational therapists and social workers. She provides regular supervision, advice and support and will offer intervention on the team’s most complex cases. Rachel is responsible for signing off on all high value care packages.
She is also professional lead for the Occupational Therapy, and Sensory Impairment countywide service.
Employment Profile
Rachel has worked as an independent Expert Witness since 1995 and prepared over 340 reports for claimant, defence and joint cases. She has participated in pre-trial conferences, expert meetings and attended court.
Rachel is Head of Service for Oxfordshire County Council, responsible for the Adult Social Care Teams in Oxford City, North and West Localities and the County Sensory Impairment team. This includes leading and managing the integrated occupational therapy and social work team. She is responsible for the service delivery under the Care Act of assessments of clients with complex long term conditions (age 18 years and upwards). Additionally, she is responsible for scrutinising proposed support plans, personal budgets (for care). She is additionally responsible for ensuring appropriate use of resources around equipment, including assistive technology, and Disabled facilities grant applications.
Since qualifying in 1981, Rachel has wide ranging experience in hospital, community and private practice. She has held local and national responsibilities for coordinating and delivering social services and health service for adult clients with permanent physical disabilities.
Rachel has extensive experience setting up care packages, recommending equipment and housing adaptations. She has worked as a case manager for 2 years and privately both for clients direct and via solicitors to carry out recommendations following personal injury settlements.
She has a special interest in spinal injuries and personal experience of caring for someone with traumatic injuries following a motorcycle accident as well as two people needing palliative care.
In March 2015, Rachel completed an Award Graduate Certificate with distinction, qualifying her as a Best interest assessor under the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards.
Qualifications and Membership
- DipCOT, Exeter (1981).
- Certificate in Counselling, Lincoln Institute of Psychotherapy, London (1982).
- Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice: Best interest assessor (2015).
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
Career History
Present
Care Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co Limited
2017-Present
Area Service Manager/Head of Service – Adult Social Care
Oxfordshire County Council
2011-2017
Locality Manager – Social and Community Services
Oxfordshire County Council
2000-2010
Unit Manager – Social and Community Services
Oxfordshire County Council
1999-2000
Project Officer – Physical Disability Strategy
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1998-1999
Co-ordinator for the Physical Disability Service
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1995-2010
Private practitioner
1986-1997
Occupational Therapist
Social Services Department, Oxfordshire County Council
1984-1985
Occupational Therapist
Australia
1983-1984
Occupational Therapist
Social Services Department, London Borough of Wandsworth
1981-1983
Occupational Therapist
Charing Cross Hospital, London