Paula Adamson
Neurological Occupational Therapist
Personal profile
Since qualifying in 2000 as an Occupational Therapist, I quickly focused on my chosen
speciality of Neuro-rehabilitation. I have experience of working in acute hospitals, community
hospitals, a specialist neuro-rehabilitation centre as well as in a community neuro-rehab
team.
I have extensive experience of working in vocational rehabilitation with clients who have
sustained a traumatic brain injury or orthopaedic injuries. Input has included brain injury
education to the client and employer, assessment and adaptation of the workplace (where
required) to manage a client’s cognitive and physical challenges. Fatigue, anxiety
management and graded return to work programmes have been utilised to enable clients to
successfully return to part time or full time employment.
I am able to work with a range of neurological conditions, particularly acquired brain injury
(for example, hypoxic brain injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury). I have a particular
interest in working with clients who experience cognitive or behavioural difficulties however I
am also a skilled clinician with regards to neurological visual difficulties and upper limb
weakness.
I have maintained my professional registration as an Occupational Therapist through
attendance at courses, reflective practice, research and review of literature, online learning
and discussions with treating Therapists.
I work solely as an Occupational Therapist.
Professional Memberships
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Health and Care Professions Council UK (HCPC)
British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Neurological Practice
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Work
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Independent Practice
The United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF)
Employment History
April 2014 – Present
Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist
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Assessment of clients functional abilities at home, in the community or workplace
Assessment of equipment needs or tools (such as use of technology) to maximise
independence with physical and cognitive difficulties as a result of injury or illness
Provision of brain injury education programmes to client, family or workplace as required
Provision of fatigue management and anxiety management programmes to clients
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Provision of sensory retraining programmes for the upper limb following a neurological
event
Assessment and treatment for clients who have experienced visual changes following a
neurological event
Provision of clear and concise reports to referrer and client outlining current difficulties,
rehabilitation goals, treatment modalities and anticipated outcomes. Treatment provided
within set timescales
January 2007-April 2014
Specialist Case Manager and Brain Injury Clinical Lead, HCML
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Initial needs assessments conducted at hospital, specialist rehabilitation centres, home,
school or the workplace
Worksite assessments completed to assess pre-injury duties and possible alternative
roles if required. Duties, physical and cognitive demands are assessed in line with the
client’s current abilities. Return to work plans established to assist in management of
cognitive difficulties in the workplace. Facilitated work placements or voluntary work
where pre-injury employment is not appropriate.
Specialised in working with adults and children who have sustained mild to severe brain
injuries. Developing goals and managing clients with cognitive impairments, challenging
behaviours, memory and neuropsychological impairments.
Liaising with Social Services to implement and monitor care packages; arranging the
provision of adaptive equipment and housing modifications where appropriate.
Provision of basic brain injury education to rehabilitation clients, families, workplaces or
school to ensure full participation and engagement with rehabilitation programmes.
Implemented and monitored fatigue management and anxiety management programmes
to clients.
Provision of support and clinical supervision to brain injury case managers ensuring
adherence and incorporation of clinical best practice and evidence based outcomes.
March 2004 – December 2006
Senior 1 Occupational Therapist, East Surrey PCT Community Neuro Rehabilitation
Team
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Neurological rehabilitation with clients with complex physical and cognitive impairments
in the community.
Assessment and co-ordination of rehabilitation programmes for patients in hospital rehab
settings or in their home environment, including monitoring of patients in specialist
centres.
Liaison with funding providers of specialist neurological services.
Supervision of staff and facilitation of peer support group for Occupational Therapy staff
working in Neurology in East Surrey PCT and West Sussex PCT.
May 2002-March 2004
Senior 2 Occupational Therapist, Harrowlands Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, Dorking.
Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust
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Assessment and provision of rehabilitation services to inpatients at a specialist
neurological rehabilitation centre.
April 2001- May 2002
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist, Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust
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Neurological rehabilitation, paediatrics, elderly care and general medical patients.
February 2001 – April 2001
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist, Crawley Hospital, Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust
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Occupational therapy input to general medical patients.
September 2000-January 2001
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist, North Staffordshire NHS Trust
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Elderly care (physical and mental health).
Training and Qualifications
2000 BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, University College of St Martin, Lancaster
Regular attendance at Neurological and Case Management Conferences across the UK
Clinical training courses attended include:
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Behavioural changes following a brain injury
Splinting for abnormal tone
Visual perceptual dysfunction
Introduction to normal movement (Bobath technique)
Cognitive rehabilitation (basic and advanced)
Driving following an neurological event
Intensive care psychosis
Swallowing difficulties following a traumatic brain injury
Assessment and treatment of the neurologically impaired upper limb
Wheelchair provision
Postural management
Other training includes protection of vulnerable adults, conflict resolution and manual
handling.
Provision of training to insurance and legal companies regarding Neuro-Rehabilitation and
General Rehabilitation.