Joanne is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with over twenty years of practice. She draws much of her expertise from NHS Wheelchair Services, where she has dedicated fifteen years to twenty-four-hour posture and pressure management, working with both paediatric and adult patients to enhance independence and improve quality of life.

Her extensive career has also included roles in inpatient brain injury, neuro and stroke rehabilitation, community paediatrics, general community services—including day hospitals and falls clinics—as well as elective orthopaedics. She has an adaptable approach to patient-centred care, with the ability to tailor support based on individual patient needs and the specific services they require.

Joanne is proficient in conducting comprehensive patient assessments, covering physical, postural, pressure, and cognitive aspects. She develops patient-centred, goal-oriented treatment plans and presents findings in accessible formats. Her expertise extends to creating both simple written and pictorial patient plans, as well as high-level reports for the major trauma passport, a tool used across NHS organisations and by legal and professional teams.

Within wheelchair services, Joanne pursued continuous professional development, including Bo Bath Neuro training and postgraduate modules in posture management. Her advanced knowledge allows her to teach twenty-four-hour posture and pressure management effectively. She has worked closely with various services and colleagues, advising on housing adaptations, through-floor and external lifts, and advocating for patients within the multidisciplinary team. She played a crucial role in promoting posture, independence, and function for individuals reliant on wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as providing expert guidance on moving and handling techniques.

In addition to her clinical work, Joanne has made significant contributions to education and training. She has delivered wheelchair training, posture, and pressure management modules to students on placement, collaborated with the University of Liverpool for planned teaching sessions, and provided in-house training across different areas of her work. Her expertise extends to external training, where she has taught twenty-four-hour postural management in association with Simple Stuff Works and the Open College Network West Midlands. Furthermore, she has designed a Level 4 wheelchair training program, which has been published in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University.

Joanne’s dedication to patient care, clinical education, and professional development highlights her commitment to advancing occupational therapy and improving the lives of individuals with complex postural and mobility needs.