Clare Chiwandire

(Peterborough)

Occupational Therapist, Case Manager and Care Expert

Profile:                                        

An independent occupational therapist and case manager with over twenty years of experience in rehabilitation, I have significant experience in brain injury, neurological rehabilitation, complex trauma rehabilitation and case management. My experience spans acute and community settings; working in both the statutory and private sectors. I have worked extensively with the insurance and medico-legal sectors and regularly undertake expert witness work regarding care and rehabilitation needs.

Qualifications:

  • MSc Public Health, University of London, 2006.
  • BSc Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Australia, 1991.

Skills/Experience:

My current role as an independent Occupational Therapist and Case Manager centres on assessment, rehabilitation and case management for clients following brain injury and complex traumatic injuries. In addition to adult cases I have experience working with adolescents, and have dealt with multi-party accidents.   I am skilled in provision and co-ordination of early and longer term rehabilitation intervention as well as complex care packages, including 24 hours care. My experience includes assisting with specialist equipment, environmental modifications, liaising with schools, and co-ordinating vocational rehabilitation where appropriate. Managing associated mental health issues (such as PTSD and depression) is also an essential need for many clients.

As an advocate of early rehabilitation intervention, I developed a clinical triage service regarding personal injury claims, and have co-ordinated training workshops on rehabilitation and case management.   I provide professional supervision for other occupational therapist case managers.

Before moving into independent practice I was Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist leading service provision over three hospital sites and managing over 100 staff. My career has also included working abroad in acute brain injury rehabilitation within a specialist Trauma Unit (funded by the Traffic Accident Commission) at The Alfred Hospital, Australia; at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and for the Ministry of Health and an NGO in Zimbabwe developing rehabilitation services.

I have undertaken expert witness work since 2007, specialising in medico-legal reports on care and rehabilitation needs following traumatic brain injury. I have worked on numerous high value claims and have experience in court as a witness under cross-examination and at CICA tribunal. I have completed Bond Solon Courtroom Skills training in 2008 and undertake regular CPD in rehabilitation, case management and medico-legal issues.

Registrations and memberships:

  • The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
  • The Case Management Society UK (CMSUK)
  • Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Neurological Practice