Carol K

Specialisms 

• Mental health (including anxiety, depression, bipolar and personality disorder), together with associated physical and sensory impairments.
• Dementia.
• Physical disability.
• Lower limb amputations.

Profile
I qualified as an occupational therapist in 1999 and have since worked with clients with a wide range of complex needs in both hospital and community settings. 

I have always had a special interest in mental health conditions.  My role as an Approved Mental Health Professional involved carrying out assessments under the Mental Health Act and where appropriate making applications for compulsory detention in hospital.  My previous role within statutory services was as a care co-ordinator in a Community Mental Health Team, where I supported people over the age of 65 living in their own homes with severe and enduring mental illnesses or dementia.

Also, as a Best Interests Assessor, I was responsible for assessing whether someone was deprived of their liberty within the definition of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).  I had to give careful consideration to what was in each individual’s best interests as well as what was necessary to prevent or reduce harm to them.

Earlier on in my career I also worked with clients with lower limb amputations, joint replacements, and general medical and surgical procedures.

I now work as a case manager for clients who have sustained a brain injury or have complex orthopaedic injuries, as well as clients with psychological difficulties and mental health conditions.  As a case manager, I liaise with the clients and their families and co-ordinate with appropriate care agencies and suppliers to ensure they have access to the most appropriate care, equipment and adaptations to meet their needs.

Throughout my career I have gained an in-depth understanding of the impact of illness and disability on a person’s level of function and quality of life, which I aim to translate directly to the work I produce as a Care Expert.  Since joining Jacqueline Webb & Co in 2012, I have attended numerous case conferences, participated in expert meetings, and attended Courtroom Familiarisation.

Qualifications and Membership 

• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Coventry University (1999).
• PGDip Advanced Mental Health Practice, Bournemouth University (2014).
• Royal College of Occupational Therapists (MRCOT).
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM).

Career History 

2016 – date
Case Manager
Brownbill Associates Ltd

2012 – date
Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co

2014 – 2017
Best Interests Assessor
Buckinghamshire County Council 

2014 – 2016
Care Co-ordinator and Approved Mental Health Professional
Oxford Health NHS Trust

2009 – 2014
Band 6 Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist – Older Adults
Kingshill Day Hospital, Oxford Health NHS Trust

2005 – 2009
Band 6 Occupational Therapist – Young Onset Dementia Service
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire NHS Trust

2001 – 2005
Senior II Occupational Therapist
Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health NHS Trust 

1999 – 2001
Basic Grade Occupational Therapy Rotation – Medicine & Surgery/A&E/Orthopaedics/Acute Psychiatry
Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust

Home Base
Buckinghamshire