Sally O'Connell

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2000 from the University of York St John and have specialised in the area of neurological rehabilitation for a number of years. I have extensive experience in the assessment, treatment and management of complex neurological conditions including stroke, acquired and traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury and motor neurone disease. I have worked in in-patient and out-patient settings, and regularly assess and treat clients in their home environment and wider community.

I am currently employed as the therapy team lead for the acute stroke and neurology team of occupational therapists and physiotherapists at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust. In this role I am responsible for assessment, treatment and discharge planning of a complex caseload of acute neurology and stroke patients. I am skilled in the assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits, upper limb (including splinting) and postural difficulties (including specialist seating and sleep systems), and have experience of specialist equipment provision including moving and handling equipment, assistive technologies and small aids and adaptations. 

I am the Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Lead Post for the Long Term and Unscheduled Care Directorate, responsible for developing and implementing the AHP strategy, providing strategic professional leadership, and working to promote AHPs within the Trust and wider networks.  I am also the Stroke Speciality lead for the Trust, responsible for ensuring the stroke pathway is effective, quality markers are met and representing stroke services at regional and national networks.

I also work as an independent occupational therapist, offering specialist intervention to a broad range of clients. This includes occupational therapy specific interventions to individuals and charities such as SSAFA the armed forces charity, and social care assessment and review on behalf of Nottingham County Council. 

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.