Diane qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2005 and started her career on a junior rotation working in settings across acute hospital and community settings. After 2 years on a general rotation, Diane developed an interest in neurology, and has spent the majority of her career within the field of neurological rehabilitation, covering both in-patient and community-based settings.
Diane developed her specialist clinical skills working in a regional neuro-rehabilitation unit, working with individuals with a wide range of neurological presentations, including traumatic brain injury, acquired and progressive brain injury and spinal cord injury. Diane also has experience working in a Community Neuro Team, assessing and treating individuals in their own environments, as well as gym and workplace settings.
Diane has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries, many of whom present with multiple pathologies. Diane is confident working with the complex presentation and vast range of difficulties that are often seen with neurological impairment, with the ability to adjust her approach dependent on individual need.
Diane is skilled in the assessment, treatment and management of neurological conditions, from those in a low-level, minimally aroused state, to high-functioning individuals with dysexecutive and behavioural difficulties. Diane is confident in the assessment of physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs, and strives to ensure treatment and management plans are client-centred and goal-oriented. Diane is also experienced in the assessment of complex seating and positioning for individual with complex postural and pressure care needs.
Diane has experience of facilitating group therapy sessions as well as working closely with family members and carers, and appreciates the value of the shared experience when working with clients with long-term conditions.
Diane recognises the importance of ensuring her practice is evidence-based and values opportunities to work alongside other therapists to ensure best practice in her clinical work. Diane is proactive in evaluating her clinical skills and experience as a means of identifying specialist training and development opportunities, to ensure the best outcomes for those she works with.
Diane is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Neurological Practice and has completed a number of postgraduate modules in Neurological Rehabilitation through the University of Plymouth.