Melinda Martin

Qualifications

BSc Occupational Therapy

Specialisms

Physical Disabilities, Elderly Care, Housing Needs and Adaptations

Introduction

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1996 and specialise in physical disability. I started my career in acute rehabilitation which involved the assessment and treatment of people with neurological conditions mainly CVA, multi trauma, amputations and physical impairments resulting from road traffic accidents. I then developed my skills as a community based occupational therapist and was involved in assessment and recommendations for equipment, complex adaptations, moving and handling care plans and housing needs reports. 

I currently work as a Housing Occupational Therapist as the relationship between housing and health is my particular area of interest. My current role involves assessing a broad range of applicant's functional needs and completing Housing Needs Reports.  I mainly assess adults with a range of physical conditions including arthritis, degenerative disc disease and pain conditions including fibromyalgia.  Other conditions include CVA, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, COPD, anxiety and depression.  I am also involved in completing assessments and reviews to assist with responding to enquiries from the Housing Ombudsman.

I assess social housing to confirm accessibility standards, identify the potential for adaptations and to provide advice on the suitability of nominees under the Choice Based Lettings scheme. I review planning applications and conduct site visits for adaptable and accessible new build properties and provide advice regarding if standards have been met for wheelchair users. 

I have experience of developing the role of occupational therapy in home improvement agencies and assessing the minimum standards for social housing through a Decent Homes project. I enjoy working collaboratively with my housing colleagues and seeing the benefits to those who access the service and their improved outcomes and quality of life.

I am a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section in Housing.

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.