Tanya de Beer (nee Black)

I qualified in 2002 as an occupational therapist and completed a masters in occupational therapy in 2013. I have specialised in the areas of neurology and physical disability - brain injury, spinal injury, trauma, orthopaedics and medical rehabilitation. 

I have experience of working in the NHS and private sector. Currently I am working in independent practice and undertake medico-legal work through Somek & Associates. 

I have expertise providing occupational therapy to clients who have complex past medical histories and co-morbidities e.g. neurological, orthopaedic, multiple injuries following trauma. My work involves detailed assessment and treatment to achieve goals in activities of daily living, recommending appropriate specialist equipment, physical function, cognition, fatigue management, vocational rehabilitation, minor adaptations, mobility, transfers and manual handling. 

I work collaboratively with other health care professionals, schools, case managers, care managers, solicitors and other services. I also have experience working in community brain injury, inpatient physical rehabilitation, stroke rehabilitation, elderly medical rehabilitation, intermediate care and day hospitals.

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 the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.