Hannah Farrell
BSc (Hons), MSc
Specialisms
Physiotherapy Expert specialising in adults with:
- Spinal cord injury.
- Neurological conditions.
- Brain injury (acquired and traumatic).
- Cauda Equina Syndrome.
- Associated orthopaedics including spinal fractures, complex pelvic/sacral injuries and disc prolapse.
- Associated ventilation/nutritional support.
- Associated respiratory conditions.
- Associated pressure sores.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at April 2024, I am engaged in the role of Clinical Lead in Acute Spinal Cord Injury and Consultant Physiotherapist for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for an average of 90 hours per month.
Signed
Specific Injuries Experience
Hannah’s extensive career in neurotraumatology has seen her specialising in the fields of spinal cord injury (all levels), neurological conditions and associated major/poly-trauma for almost 30 years.
As the Consultant Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead in Acute Spinal Injury at one of the UK’s leading Major Trauma Centres, Hannah regularly assesses and manages individuals with complex spinal presentations, including spinal cord injury, spinal fractures, complex pelvic or sacral injuries, disc prolapse and those with Cauda Equina Syndrome.
The scope of Hannah’s clinical expertise means that she is well-placed to comment on the past, present and future physiotherapy and equipment needs for individuals who have suffered a catastrophic injury to improve their function, well-being and confidence.
Hannah is experienced in supporting clients with associated respiratory and pressure care issues, and regularly works with clients requiring ventilatory and nutritional support.
Hannah also works with clients who have cognitive impairment, either from neurological cause or traumatic brain injury.
Employment Profile
Hannah has dedicated a significant portion of her career to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, even during its transition into a Major Trauma Centre. With a special interest in spinal cord injury and major trauma, Hannah spent 23 years as the Therapy Lead in Major Trauma and as Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in neurotraumatology. During this period, Hannah led and coordinated the multi-disciplinary therapy service and clinical processes for patients. She played a pivotal role in shaping national rehabilitative processes and services for patients recovering from major trauma. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Hannah continued to assess and deliver neurological rehabilitation therapy, demonstrating her expertise as a clinician.
In 2023, Hannah took on the role of Clinical Lead in Acute Spinal Injury and Consultant Physiotherapist for neurotraumatology. Alongside her strategic and leadership duties, Hannah maintains an active clinical caseload. She frequently prescribes equipment to enhance an individual’s physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and overall mobility and function. Hannah keeps up-to-date with advancements in equipment and technology, actively seeking out innovative products that could benefit or meet an individual’s long-term needs. With her advanced insight and in-depth knowledge, Hannah often provides expert clinical guidance and support to fellow clinicians and spinal injury rehabilitation units.
Hannah leads the development of the SCI Network Model of Care in the Midlands in collaboration with the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, Oswestry. She has been instrumental in advancing a regional SCI Education and Training Strategy. In 2018, she presented at an All-Party Parliamentary Group session at the House of Commons focusing on acquired brain injury. Since 2021, Hannah has acted as a Trustee for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Injured Players’ Federation.
Motivated and accomplished, Hannah is an energetic clinician committed to using her specialised expertise to drive clinical change and forge innovative care pathways, especially in rehabilitation optimisation. Her dedication and proficiency have earned her national acclaim and respect in the the field of major trauma rehabilitation.
Hannah regularly participates in relevant training sessions, ensuring her skills and knowledge remain up-to-date, and she takes great pride in advancing her professional growth.
Qualifications and Membership
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Coventry University (1995).
- MSc Neurorehabilitation, Sheffield Hallam University (2005).
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Rehabilitation Prescription Champion – UKABIF (since 2017).
- Member of National Working Party – Rehabilitation Prescription (since 2017).
- Affiliate Member/AHP Representative (CSP) – Major Trauma & Burns Clinical Reference Group (since 2017).
Career History
Present
Physiotherapy Expert Witness
Jacqueline Webb & Co Limited
2023-Present
Clinical Lead in Acute Spinal Cord Injury and Consultant Physiotherapist
Midlands SCI Network Model of Care
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
2011-2023
Therapy Lead – Major Trauma and Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Neurotraumatology
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
2001-2011
Clinical Specialist/Clinical Lead Physiotherapist – Neurosciences
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
1999-2001
Team Leader Physiotherapist – Neurosciences
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
1997-1999
Senior Physiotherapist (rotational)
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
1997
Senior Physiotherapist
Fitzwilliam Hospital, Peterborough
1995-1997
Junior Physiotherapist (rotational)
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust