Joanne T DipCOT

Specialisms 

• Multiple trauma.
• Complex orthopaedics.
• Lower limb amputations.
• Hip and knee replacements.
• Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, stroke and other neurological conditions.
• Visual impairment.
• Cauda equina.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including emphysema and other respiratory conditions.
• Cancer including Mesothelioma and end of life care
• Loss of services in fatal accident claims. 

Profile 

Since 1996 I have worked as an independent expert witness and have prepared over 400 medico-legal reports.  I have extensive experience of attending experts’ meetings, pre-trial conferences and court, and have given oral evidence under cross-examination in both English and Scottish courts.  I have prepared Loss of Services reports to assist the court in determining the amount of damages payable.  I have written detailed reports quantifying the past services provided by the deceased to their dependants, as well as those that they would have provided in future. I have experience in assessing for provision of end of life care and I have personal experience of caring for a relative with a terminal illness. 

I am a quality assurer for Jacqueline Webb and Company, responsible for mentoring new consultants and ensuring company report writing standards are met. 

I work as an independent occupational therapist with a varied caseload.  I carry out assessments and provide recommendations for care, equipment and adaptation needs within an individual’s home.  I receive referrals from individuals, housing associations, charitable organisations and social services.  I have worked as a case manager for Westcountry Case Management undertaking assessment of case management needs and coordinating packages of care to include care provision, equipment, housing adaptations and leisure pursuits.

I am an accredited practitioner for CBTI, providing assessment and treatment for people with insomnia and other sleep disorders. I specialise in advising individuals where their disability impacts on their sleep. 

Following qualification as an occupational therapist in 1984, I worked on orthopaedic and general medical wards in a large teaching hospital. Initially, I worked at the John Radcliffe and Radcliffe Infirmary Hospitals (Oxford) in acute medical, orthopaedic and neurological settings.  I have 10 years’ experience of working for social services, visiting clients of all ages and with a wide range of physical and psychological impairments.  I have also gained considerable experience of assessment and implementation of care packages and have provided assessments and advice for equipment, adaptations and other disability issues in an Independent Living Centre.  I also have experience of workplace assessments. 

I have a particular interest in housing adaptations and the preparation of Loss of Services reports.
 

Qualifications and Membership 

• DipCOT, Dorset House School of Occupational Therapy (1984).
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).

Career History 

2011 to 2015
Case Manager, West Country Case Management 

1996-date
Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co 

1996-date
Independent Practitioner
Providing occupational therapy and case management services (since 2011) 

1985-1995
Community Occupational Therapist
Devon, Suffolk and Gwynedd County Councils 

1984
Occupational Therapist
John Radcliffe/Radcliffe Infirmary Hospitals, Oxford 

Home Base
Vale of Glamorgan