Rachael Fletcher

Qualifications 

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Specialisms 

• Paediatrics including: Cerebral Palsy, ABI, Erbs Palsy, & Neurological Conditions

Introduction

I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree and I have worked predominantly in the NHS since qualifying. In 2017 I started to work in the private sector where I worked in a specialist neurological rehabilitation clinic for four years. During my time in private practice, access to the latest rehabilitation technology significantly enhanced my clinical practice. Currently I work part time in the NHS as a Senior Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist. I have specialised in the area of Paediatrics since 2010 therefore I have extensive experience in this field. 

My professional development has been enhanced by extensive post graduate education, and I have specialist expertise in the Bobath concept of rehabilitation for children with developmental delay linked to neurological conditions, namely cerebral palsy. In my role I manage extensive clinical caseloads, working with children of all ages with a wide variety of neurological, developmental, orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and genetic conditions in numerous clinical and community settings. 

My NHS work consists of assessment and treatment of 0-19 age children, with a wide variety of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, muscular dystrophy, developmental delay, prematurity, respiratory, cardiac, and many other complex neuro-developmental conditions. Implementation of treatment is in clinics, and numerous educational settings, with support and training given to staff. Multidisciplinary team working is a key aspect to ensure effective holistic management of each patient, requiring excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. I am required to provide reports to support Education and Health Care Plans and to support the diagnostic process. Treatment is delivered through hands on therapy, 24-hour postural management, group therapy / play sessions, hydrotherapy, gait analysis, and I have expert knowledge in the use of manual handling equipment. I work closely with specialist consultants from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, enhancing my continued professional development, in particular working collaboratively on executing the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway programme in my local area. This is a national programme to monitor and examine the hip joints and postural health of those children in our care who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Whilst in private practice, my clinical work focused on neurological rehabilitation, treating patients with a wide variety of complex diagnoses, such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, various other neurological, developmental and genetic conditions, and rehabilitation following selective dorsal rhizotomy. An important part of my role was writing thorough reports, including costing recommendations and analysis of outcome measures, to support the care of my patients. Collaboration with case managers and solicitors was a significant aspect of the workload.

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.