Amy Goddard

Qualifications

BSc Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

• physical disabilities
• trauma
• general surgery
• manual handling
• housing adaptations

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist, from York St John University, in 2012 and have worked across a number of clinical areas in both acute hospital and community settings. I have worked across intermediate care, orthopaedics, adult social care, re-ablement and community settings, including neuro-rehabilitation. My particular interest is community rehabilitation, equipment and adaptations where I have a wide range of experience working with clients with physical and cognitive impairments.

I was employed as an Experienced Occupational Therapist by Wirral Borough Council between January 2016 and April 2024, after which I left to pursue my independent work. I have worked within the independent sector since 2015 and have taken on expert witness work since 2018. I have completed work for both Claimant and Defendant, as well as being jointly instructed. 

My role within Wirral Borough Council focused on provision of aids, equipment and adaptations in line with current government guidance. In addition to this, I was regularly involved in moving and handling and developed a specialist interest in this. I provided support to the wider team with complex moving and handling scenarios and was involved in a local ‘moving with dignity’ project, which was focused on a single handed care approach. 

My caseload within the independent sector varies and can be one off assessments, or longer term involvement with clients, focusing on rehabilitation. I regularly have to liaise with outside agencies and problem solve to ensure my clients needs are being met. I work closely with case managers and other members of the MDT, including provision of support and supervision to support workers involved with my clients, ensuring that they are working towards the wider MDT goals. My clinical work has given me a variety of experience and I work with clients with a range of medical conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, visual impairment, arthritis and general frailty. I also work with clients who have been involved in traumatic injuries and sustained poly traumatic injuries, lower limb amputations and brain injury.  

Within my independent work, I am an associate for Tx Group and I am their lead OT overseeing the OT service. I carry a rehabilitation caseload as well as providing supervision to other OTs within the service. I complete a range of OT assessments and reports, including vocational rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation and general OT assessments looking at equipment, aids and adaptations.

I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.