Specialisms
- Spinal injuries (including paraplegia).
- Physical disabilities including amputations.
- Neurological conditions.
- Respiratory and cardiac conditions.
- Cauda Equina.
- Associated mental health.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at June 2021, I am engaged in the role of Area Services Manager and Principle OT for Oxfordshire County Council, Adult Social Care for an average of 148 hours per month.
Signed
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, experts’ meetings and attended court.
Rachel is currently an Area Service Manager for Oxfordshire County Council, responsible for the Adult Social Care Team in Oxford City, and professional lead for the Occupational Therapy, and Sensory Impairment countywide service. This includes leading and managing the integrated occupational therapy and social work team. Rachel 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) and equipment to confirm appropriate use of resources.
Since qualifying in 1981, Rachel has a 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 of working with clients with lower limb amputations, spinal injuries (including paraplegia), back injuries, chronic pain and orthopaedic problems including hip/knee replacements, fractures and arthritis. Many clients have multiple diagnoses including neurological conditions (strokes, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease) and learning disability or mental health problems.
She has extensive experience setting up care packages, recommending equipment and housing adaptations. Rachel 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.
Rachel 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.
Qualifications and Membership
- Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists, DipCOT, University of Exeter (1981).
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
- Certificate in Counselling, Lincoln Institute of Psychotherapy, London (1982).
- Royal College Occupational Therapists – Specialist Section – Housing (RCOTSS-H).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
Career History
Present
Care Expert
Jacqueline Webb & Company Ltd
2011-Present
Locality Manager – Social and Community Services
Oxfordshire County Council
2017-Present
Area Service Manager – 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
1995-201
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