Mary Symons

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

Brain Injury, Neurological Conditions, Trauma, Orthopaedic Injuries & Pain

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2002 and specialised within the field of adult physical disability. Since qualifying, I have worked in a range of clinical settings in the NHS, adult social care and private hospitals in the UK, Ireland and Australia. I have considerable experience in assessment and treatment of individuals with complex neurological conditions and multi-trauma, upper limb injury, spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and stroke. I worked at two of the major trauma centres in London and one of the main referral hubs for neurology and for acute spinal injury in Ireland. I also worked at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability and was occupational therapy team lead for an acute stroke unit and community stroke services.

In 2004, I received additional training in hand therapy and worked within a hand therapy unit. This led to a specialist interest in upper limb rehabilitation for stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury and trauma-related injuries. I have had additional training and experience in providing cognitive rehabilitation, mental health assessment, vocational rehabilitation, pain management, manual handing, seating and wheelchair prescription. My clinical skills range from assessment and treatment of minimally conscious people needing full care and support to those with any illness, injury or health condition needing help to return to all activities of daily living and the workplace.

Since 2016, have been a company director and lead Occupational Therapist for Think Believe Achieve Limited. I specialise in assessment and treatment of clients with complex traumatic injuries and/or disabilities. Depending on the severity of impairment and/or disability, treatment may include prescriptions for aids and adaptation, moving and handling and risk assessment reports, wheelchair prescription, cognitive assessment and rehabilitation, pain and fatigue management and upper limb rehabilitation. I also provide vocational assessment and rehabilitation. I have provided many occupational therapy assessment, progress and discharge reports as a treating clinician for medico-legal purposes. 

I maintain my skills and knowledge through my private clinical work, I attend training and I am a member of the special interest group for OT's working in neurology, in independent practice and medico-legal practice. I keep up-to-date with my current skills and knowledge through my clinical practice as an independent practitioner and relevant professional networks, attending conferences and interactive forums.

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.