Jonathon Beard

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Dip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Specialisms

Major Trauma, Mental Health, Orthopaedics, Medicine & Chronic Pain/Fatigue

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2015 and have since gained extensive experience across various specialist areas including A&E, stroke, elderly medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, community rehabilitation and major trauma. My particular interest in mental health led me to work with forensic mental health patients in a secure hospital, where I developed rehabilitation programmes to help offenders reintegrate into the community. Subsequently, I transitioned into a community care co-ordinator role, managing highly complex caseloads of individuals at risk of mental health decline and suicide. I then specialised in major trauma rehabilitation creating a new service for NHS England following the Manchester Arena Terrorist attack.

Following a move to Scotland, I took on the responsibility of developing a team within NHS Lothian, where I currently work as a team lead. The focus is on rehabilitating individuals post-orthopaedic injuries for up to four weeks, the aim is to reduce falls risk and prevent further hospital admissions. I currently treat individuals with orthopaedic injuries, poly trauma, those recovering from elective orthopaedic surgeries, spinal fractures, cognitive decline, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.

Previously, I was asked to develop and lead a new NHS service for individuals experiencing injuries due to major trauma and their subsequent impact on mental health. This project, which remains operational, allowed me to specialise in holistic approaches to physical and mental health assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation following poly trauma injuries.

These roles have provided me with a comprehensive skill set to assess physical and mental dysfunction. I provide treatments for anxiety management, emotion regulation, low mood and depression, and physical assessments for complex poly trauma, including head injury and cognitive dysfunction. I excel in prioritising and organising complex caseloads of acute patients, and I am trained in motivational interviewing, CBT, and possess advanced communication skills.

Additionally, my case management skills include the ability to investigate poor practices highlighted through Datix reports, conduct interviews with individuals related to investigations, and formalise detailed reports based on these findings. I possess the ability to present findings clearly and confidently in multidisciplinary team meetings, best interests meetings & Care Program Approach meetings (forensic hearings), I ensure that my assessments are understandable to both legal professionals and lay persons. 

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.