Curriculum Vitae
Chartered Physiotherapist, Specialising in
Spinal Injuries
Jennifer Whittall qualified as a physiotherapist
in 1982 , from the Oswestry and North Staffordshire School
of Physiotherapy, based at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt
Orthopaedic Hospital. I then took up junior rotational
positions at the Royal Preston and Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals
where I worked until promoted to senior positions at the
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital where I worked until
1996, having achieved the position of Senior Physiotherapist
in charge of rehabilitation at the Midlands Centre for
Spinal Injuries based at the hospital. As part of the hospital
physiotherapy team I acted up as Deputy Superintendent
Physiotherapist on numerous occasions and assisted in the
development of policies and new services being developed
within the hospital. I was also involved in the setting
up of the hospital’s risk assessment policy.
During the 14 years spent working at the Midlands Centre
for Spinal Injuries, I experienced all aspects of management
of the various presentations of Spinal Cord Injury and
developed rehabilitation strategies utilised in both the
acute and long term phases of the individual. I was also
involved in the initial stages of standard setting for
the Chartered Society Of Physiotherapists for clients with
Spinal Cord Injury. I also represented the department at
the National Superintendents meetings , established to
discuss the management of spinal cord injury. In particular
I developed expertise in neurological assessment, respiratory
management, wheelchairs, seating and postural management,
moving and handling, upper limb function of tetraplegics
including tendon transplants, electrical stimulation including
trophic stimulation and functional electrical stimulation,
gait re-education for paraplegics ( including callipers
and the ‘parawalker’ ) and incomplete tetraplegics
, sports and recreational pursuits , the management of
soft tissue and musculoskeletal problems as a result of
functioning as a wheelchair user.
In addition to the patient expertise, I frequently gave
pre and post graduate lectures on various aspects of spinal
cord management throughout the country, and also co-ordinated
placements at the unit for the training of physiotherapy
students and qualified colleagues who visited us as a centre
of excellence. It was during the years at the Spinal Unit
I began writing Medico Legal reports for clients with Spinal
Cord Injury.
In 1996 I left the Health Service and began a company,
Complete Personal Assistance which specialises in the support
and management of Spinal Cord clients in the community
, in particular providing 24 hour live in care packages.
In that capacity I began a training programme for Personal
Assistants addressing all aspects of personal care required
by a client living independently in their own home. I also
established packages both on a privately funded basis and
also linking in with social services and the Independent
Living Fund . Whilst in this position I was instrumental
in setting up the company’s first ventilator packages
which included attending several training courses to develop
the company’s protocols. I was also fortunate to
have the opportunity to continue developing my clinical
expertise and established a private physiotherapy practise
for clients in their own home , primarily specialising
in spinal cord injury but also expanding into head injury
and other neurological conditions. My other tasks included
acting as and writing reports as a Case Manager.
In 1998 , I became the Superintendent Physiotherapist
at the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford , Cheshire, which
specialises in the rehabilitation and physical management
of individuals with neuromuscular conditions, particularly
Muscular Dystrophy. As a Centre we provided advice , both
nationwide and international, for clients and professionals
working with Neuromuscular Conditions including advising
the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and their Field Workers.
We also assessed and reviewed equipment on the market for
its suitability in relation to the problems encountered
with that client base. I also chaired and co-ordinated
the North West Physiotherapy Forum for the management of
Neuromuscular conditions. As a centre we had contracts
with Health Authorities for clinic and treatment services
that we provided for their residents. I was closely involved
with several areas of research , orthotic development,
and treatment development for these conditions. I was also
asked to lecture and lead workshops throughout the country
on the management and rehabilitation of clients with Neuromuscular
Conditions.
Within the Centre I continued to develop a facility to
enable my private client base to develop, offering both
domicilary and centre based rehabilitation for clients
with spinal cord injury and also head injury. We were also
able to cater for ultra high lesions. Infact we were advising
the Community Paediatric Services of North Cheshire in
the management of their clients with Ultra High lesions.
In conjunction with this work I acted as the Physiotherapy
Consultant to Complete Holdings and also led their moving
and handling training. I also assisted in training their
Personal Assistants within the clients' homes.
I began writing Physiotherapy Reports for Medico Legal
purposes in1992. I specialise in Spinal Cord Injury basing
my expertise upon the knowledge gained whilst working within
the Health Service and continue to develop and practise
within the private sector . During this time I have prepared
over 60 reports for clients with spinal cord injury and
head injury.
In May 2001 I took up the position of Research Physiotherapist
at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries. This post was
sponsored by the International Spinal Research Trust as
part of a multi centre study aimed at developing the standard
assessments for clients with spinal cord injury in terms
of defining the true extent of their injury. My role was
to develop the neurological, respiratory and functional
assessment tools. In this position I maintained close links
with all the spinal units and the rehabilitation teams
therein, including their Consultants, which enabled me
to maintain and update my knowledge in practices that are
used in acute rehabilitation today.
In November 2001, I became Operational Manager of the
Midlands Centre For Spinal Injuries, responsible for the
overall management and provision of the multi-disciplinary
service within the trust. The work incorporates service
development and monitoring, as well as financial management
and negotiation at regional level. Whilst a managerial
post, I am still asked to contribute to clinical practise
and assessment of patients . I participate in the in service
training to maintain my clinical expertise. The work also
allows for training and education of medical professionals,
and client contact at all stages of their “spinal
injury life.”
February 2004 saw Jennifer Whittall return to Complete
Holdings on a full time basis, as Consultant Physiotherapist
and Case Manager, responsible for all the physiotherapy
related matters within the company, advice on moving and
handling, training PAs. Also this role includes the development
of the physiotherapy service to clients including those
with Spinal Cord Injury and Acquired Brain Injury Clients,
including paediatrics.
My Private Practice has also seen the development of a
larger client base, not only with spinal cord injury, but
also those individuals with acquired brain injuries. I
treat these clients on a domicilary basis, attending to
their needs arising from living with a long term chronic
condition as opposed to acute management.
Jennifer Whittall also has an Honorary position as Specialist
Physiotherapist with the Midlands Centre For Spinal Injuries.
Membership of the following:
Chartered Society Of Physiotherapists
The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practise
Associate Member of the Spinal Injuries Association
Member of Case Management Society Of the UK
MASCIP - Multi-disciplinary Association of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals
Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy , Directory of Expert Witnesses
Committee Member of MASCIP
|
