Kay Ganguly

MCSP, SRP
Clinical Director, Consultant Physiotherapist & Expert Witness

Kay has over 20 years’ experience in the field of paediatric and neurological physiotherapy and has worked with children and adults with special needs, both in acute and community settings, in the UK and abroad. Her experience spans various NHS Trusts and Child Development Centres specialising in paediatric neurology, acute orthopaedic rehabilitation and long term rehabilitation of patients with complex needs.

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Kay earned her First Class Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from India in 2001 and was at the top her graduating class. She then went on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation where she graduated with First Class. She was awarded the Cardiff University Law School Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate for Civil Law and Procedures in December 2015. Kay is a qualified expert professional witness and writes medicolegal reports for the process of court proceedings as per civil procedure rules and part 35 of practice direction for experts. Alongside, she runs a busy independent therapy practice assessing and treating children and young adults with complex neurological and orthopaedic conditions.

Kay worked as a Specialist Physiotherapist in orthopaedic and limb reconstruction team at Sheffield Children& Hospital, where she worked closely with the orthopaedic team managing paediatric orthopaedic, limb reconstruction and spinal conditions. She also worked at York Hospitals NHS and Lancaster NHS Trusts and developed management pathways for children with developmental co-ordination difficulties, worked closely with the orthopaedic team managing idiopathic tip toes walkers, managed by serial casting and post-Botox rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy. She started private work in April 2011 as team lead in an independent therapy practice. She was involved in establishing the paediatric service, managing a complex case load and long term rehabilitation of patients in a multidisciplinary set up. Her role involved referral triage, assessment, training, service development and treatment. During this period, she worked closely with Consultants, case managers and legal teams across the Yorkshire and Lancashire regions providing specialist physiotherapy service to children and young people with acquired neurological conditions, head injuries, multiple trauma in various personal injury and clinical negligence cases.

Kay has the following post graduate training

  • Cardiff University Law School Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate
  • Bobath Training
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
  • Electrical stimulation and muscle therapy system
  • Elastic Therapeutic Taping in Paediatrics
  • Managing Challenging and Difficult Patient Interactions
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Paediatric Advanced Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management with AFO Footwear Combination
  • Ilizarov Pre and Postoperative Rehabilitation
  • Sports Injury Management in Children and Adolescents
  • Paediatric Get on the Ball Training
  • Postural Management and use of Specialist Equipment in Paediatric Neurodisability
  • Hydrotherapy for Children with Complex Neurological Conditions and Learning Difficulties.
  • Saebo Trained for Prescription and Hand Training Function Using Functional Dynamic Orthoses like Saebo Flex, Saebo Glove.
  • Rehabilitation Approach in Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
  • Paediatric Brain Injury Rehabilitation
  • Brain Tumors and its management
  • Yoga in Neurological Rehabilitation

Kay is registered with:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)
  • Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Vestibular Rehabilitation (ACPVIR)

Kay says, “Working over the years with children with special needs and their families, I have developed deep understanding and passion for this profession. Working with complex neurological patients with catastrophic injuries can be extremely challenging both physically and emotionally. We offer a very friendly yet professional service not just to target physical difficulties but also help management of cognitive and behaviour issues. Kay proudly claims, “The key to successful rehabilitation starts from building up relationship with our client, motivate, persevere and working together towards agreed goals. I feel extremely proud of my profession with every little difference that I can bring to a patient’s life and it is certainly worth all the effort”

Karolina Jurczak Jendzio

​MCSP, SRP
Consultant Physiotherapist & Advanced Neurological Vestibular Practitioner

Manchester & North West
Karolina is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in the field of neuro-physiotherapy working within the NHS acute, community and private settings dealing with adults and children with complex neurological presentations. Her experience spans from childhood and adult neurological conditions, vestibular rehabilitation, migraine management, orthopaedic management, fall prevention, long term management and rehabilitation of complex cases. Her treatment approach is a combination of hands-on neurological therapy using Bobath principles alongside working through muscle dynamics using release and massage techniques.

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Karolina qualified as a physiotherapist in 2003 from the Medical School in Wroclaw, Poland in 2005. She pursued masters in Physiotherapy and Research from Coventry University in 2011. She completed degree in Sports Therapy and Medical Injury from Bedfordshire University, where she worked as Sports Therapist for Luton Football Club (juniors) for over a year. In 2008 she was awarded certificate in Rehabilitation and Research in Medicine from Medical University in Nottingham. Karolina joined Healing Touch Physiotherapy in November 2015 as a specialist neurological physiotherapist covering a wide geographical area around Manchester, Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Southport, Ormskirk, Bolton, Wigan and Warrington. She is now an established independent practitioner in the specialist field of neuro vestibular rehabilitation. Within the NHS, Karolina is currently working as an advanced practitioner and Consultant Physiotherapist  providing clinical assessment for patient with post covid-19 symptoms, chronic pain, neurological and vestibular assessment. She  is the responsible senior  clinician specialising in neurological assessment and rehabilitation for the outpatient department. In her previous roles, she has worked as the lead clinician in community care for the patients with complex needs.

Karolina has been involved in many projects within NHS including setting up falls prevention teams with the new falls prevention groups. She has completed research project based on the influence of the high falls exercise group on the older population, influence of visuo-occular therapy intervention in vestibular cases, postural management and influence of AFO on the gait management programme.

Besides her outstanding academic achievements, Karolina has the following post graduate training:

  • Bobath training for adults and children
  • Paediatric training on vestibular rehabilitation
  • Migraine management
  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Neurological update on stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease
  • Training on AFO and rehabilitation technology
  • Pilates for neurological condition in adults and children
  • Pain management
  • Advanced amputee training and prosthetic leg rehabilitation
  • Orthopaedic ankle foot surgery and rehabilitation
  • Orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation outcome
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Functional electrical stimulation
  • Advanced pain management training
  • Advanced Respiratory Assessment
  • Clinical Skills Training
  • Leadership training
  • Medico legal training

Karolina is registered with

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists interested in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Karolina claims, “I am passionate about my role as a specialist physiotherapist and the changes I can bring to my clients’ lives, making them independent. I strongly believe that every individual has an ability to achieve irrespective of their physical or cognitive difficulties. We are here to work with you and help you succeed!”

Vanessa Gronow

MCSP,SRP
Clinical Specialist, Neurological and Advanced Respiratory Physiotherapist
East Riding and Humberside

Vanessa qualified as a physiotherapist from York St John University in 2010. She has since worked in a variety of community settings, specialising in paediatric physiotherapy. Vanessa stepped into the field of paediatric physiotherapy in 2000 and has continued to progress her role, starting as a physiotherapy assistant and soon advancing to a technical instructor. Whilst continuing to work with children she completed her in- service degree at York St John in 2006 and graduated with Honours in Physiotherapy in the year 2010. Her experience spans from neurological, respiratory, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, orthopaedic including rehabilitation following selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and degenerative conditions.

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Vanessa joined Healing Touch Physiotherapy in August 2017 covering a wide geographical area around Yorkshire and Humberside including York, Hull, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Rotherham, Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes, Lincoln and the neighbouring areas. Vanessa works closely with the injured child and the multidisciplinary team around him to offer a high standard of care. She is involved in assessment and management of children and young adults with complex neurological condition like cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, genetic conditions and degenerative conditions. Vanessa believes in working with children in a setting where they will enjoy and excel, whether this involves treatment at home, school or out in the community doing activities like Trike, swimming or engaging in leisure and sports activities. She is involved in supervision and training staff, family and carers involved with the injured child. She works closely with the wider multi-disciplinary team including orthotists, wheelchair providers, specialist equipment providers and technology specialists as well as medical consultants, in order to achieve the best outcome for each child.

As part of her community role, she is required to carry out respiratory physiotherapy care for patients who have or at risk of developing chest infections and at a risk of developing pneumonia. Vanessa involved in training teaching staff, carers and parents/ family on techniques to carry out respiratory physiotherapy such as cupping, vibrations, and use of a palm cups, postural drainage on more profound patients. On more mobile patients this would include active cycle of breathing techniques and child friendly activities football to increase lung expansion, removal of secretions, aid coughing and enable with opening of the collateral airways.

Her role involves assessment and management of profound complex patients who are tracheostomy ventilated, require intermittent suctioning and have a robust chest clearance plan. She provides regular respiratory physiotherapy care and support their care package by offering training for teaching staff, carers, parents and family so they can become competent in the patient’s respiratory care management and plan is incorporated in the child’s daily routine. Chest physiotherapy plans, instructions and assessment of equipment to aid lung expansion and postural drainage are devised for the care package to enable and maximise the process of rehabilitation.

Besides her academic achievement, Vanessa has the following post graduate training:

  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy Training
  • CPIPUK In- Service Training
  • Therapy Outcome Measure Workshop
  • Postural Care Course
  • Wheelchair Prescriber training
  • Neuromuscular Training
  • Neuromuscular Respiratory Management
  • Physiotherapy Management of the Respiratory Patient
  • Hemi Help Professionals Conference
  • Postural Management of Adults and Children with Complex Disabilities.
  • Clinical Educators Course
  • Leckey Technical Training
  • Orthotics Training
  • Simple Stuff works- Sleep System Training

Vanessa is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Vanessa says ‘I feel delighted to a part of this team. Helping children and young people develop and achieve with therapy is what I enjoy and is an integral part of my career. I strongly believe in my client’s ability to improve and achieve irrespective of age of their injury and their existing abilities.’

Anna Bennett

Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation Practitioner & Neurological Chartered Physiotherapist
Leeds and Yorkshire Region

Anna has 12 years of experience working in the field of adult physiotherapy within community, outpatient and acute settings. In 2011 she developed a keen interest in clinical neurology and has since specialised as a neuro-vestibular
physiotherapist having gained experience in various specialist neurology centres and NHS trusts in London. Her experience spans across many fields of adult neurology including highly specialist rehabilitation for acute and long term conditions, acute neurology and neurosurgery, complex care for neuromuscular conditions and vestibular rehabilitation.

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Anna studied at King’s College London and graduated with an Upper-Second Class BSc Physiotherapy Degree in 2007. She worked as a junior physiotherapist in the North East of England before returning to London where she worked at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for 4 and half years. During this period, Anna worked across many fields of physiotherapy including inpatient and community intermediate care, falls management both in a primary care falls clinic and within an Older Person’s Assessment Unit, musculoskeletal outpatients, women’s health, hydrotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis, obstetrics and neurological conditions, neuro-medical inpatients, critical care rehabilitation, acute cardiac and respiratory management and stroke rehabilitation.

Since 2014 Anna has worked for the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London. The NHNN is a tertiary centre offering multi-disciplinary services for adults with highly specialist cognitive, psychological, social and physical needs from across the Nation. She worked within the National Rehabilitation Unit, the Neuromuscular Complex Care Centre, the neurosurgical and neuromedical wards, outpatients for neurological and vestibular disorders and the hyper-acute stroke unit. Within the NHS Anna worked as a lead physiotherapist on a bed-based intermediate care unit managing a team of therapists, undertaking regular systematic teaching, supervision and appraisals with all of them and working closely with the multi-disciplinary team. She has led various service development projects including an audit of the intermediate care referral system across a large Borough of London, a service user review of a neuromedical outlier service and the setting up of an evidence-based intervention for the management of lower limb arthritis within the community. Whilst working for Guy’s and St Thomas’ she held lectures and seminars for the MSc students at King’s College London on a variety of neurological topics.

In London Anna participated in an observational and feasibility study of the prevalence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in an outpatient setting for older adults. Her role was to perform gold standard assessment techniques in addition to usual care to all new patients who met the inclusion criteria and to treat those that were positively identified to have BPPV with the appropriate re-positioning manoeuvres. The study was later published in the Physiotherapy Journal in 2015. In 2016 Anna trained as a yoga teacher which she now uses as an adjunct to her holistic physiotherapy approach.

Besides her outstanding academic achievements, Anna has the following post graduate training:

  • Exploring the Neuroscientific Basis of Neurophysiotherapy
  • The Dizzy Course – A Multidisciplinary Approach
  • The Role of the Cerebellum
  • Regional BPPV Seminars
  • International Neuro Physiotherapy Conference
  • Introductory Bobath Training
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Trained Yoga Teacher

Anna is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Medico legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists interested in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Anna moved to Leeds to live with her partner and to build a career within the private sector as a Specialist Neuro-Physiotherapist and an Ashtanga,Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga Teacher in early 2017 and joined Healing Touch Physiotherapy in April 2017 as a specialist physiotherapist covering a wide geographical area around Leeds, Bradford, Ilkley, Skipton, York, Hull, Pontefract, Wakefield, Doncaster and Sheffield. Anna’s passion has always been working with people to help them understand their bodies, break through barriers and achieve their goals. She says that “the joy I get from seeing people progress is the best part of my job and is so rewarding!!”.

Victoria Kemp

MCSP,SRP
Clinical Specialist & Neurological Physiotherapist
Leeds & Yorkshire Region

Victoria qualified as a physiotherapist in 2010 from Sheffield Hallam University. She has since worked in a variety of clinical settings to include local services, outpatient neuro rehabilitation units and private neuro rehabilitation in- patient centres, where she had experience working with clients with a range of neurological conditions stroke, spinal Injuries, and complex brain injuries. She then worked within the pediatric setting at Holly Bank Trust, Mirfield. In the past 4 years Victoria has gained experience working within the private sector specialising in neuro rehabilitation within the medico legal sector. Victoria specialises in neurorehabilitation using hydrotherapy and is keen in developing further in this area of expertise. She is trained on SMART assessment for those clients with low arousal levels, to establish their level of awareness and help maximise their therapy potential.

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Victoria is involved in assessment, writing detailed reports with recommendation and offering treatment using hydrotherapy and land based procedures. She is involved in manual handling assessment, training staff, carers and family around the injured client, support and equipment provision. She is passionate about her role and believes in maximising clients potential by a variety of sports and leisure activities to include swimming, horse riding, biking etc. She believes Social participation and community integration are key to client’s long term rehabilitation outcome.

Besides her academic achievement, Victoria has the following post graduate training:

  • Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy
  • Primitive Reflex Course
  • National Paediatric Brain Injury Conference
  • Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy Foundation Course
  • Developments in the Management of Hemiplegia
  • Clamping Down on Contractures
  • ACPPLD Event – training on People with Learning Disabilities
  • Respiratory assessment skills
  • Advanced Aquatic Therapy in Neurological Dysfunction
  • Rebound Therapy
  • SMART Assessor Training – SMART certified awarded February 2015
  • Introduction to the Bobath Concept (Modules 1 and 2)
  • Den2 system set up and use
  • Treatment of the neurological hand and feet
  • Trulife Walk Aide System – assessment and set up

Victoria is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)

Victoria says, “ I am dedicated to provide a high standard of evidence based physiotherapy rehabilitation and care to my clients and is something I am passionate about. I attend the gym regularly and enjoy staying active and promoting the foundations for which physiotherapy stands”

Jordan

Jordan Goodinson

MCSP, SRP
Clinical Specialist and Neurological Physiotherapist
South Yorkshire region

Jordan qualified as a physiotherapist in 2016 from the University of Keele with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy. She has over 7 years of practice experience working within the NHS, both inpatients and community, private practice and as a civil servant. She has worked in various settings, initially within the acute sector, gaining skills in learning disabilities, mental health, cardiology, respiratory and paediatrics. Jordan worked in the independent sector with musculoskeletal and occupational health cases. She has a keen interest in paediatric pain management and functional neurological disorders, inspired by her role at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

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Jordan is experienced working across both paediatrics and adult learning disabilities, treating a wide range of complex diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury and Genetic disorders, as well as pain conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Jordan is experienced in working with clients in hydrotherapy and rebound therapy settings and adapting treatments to be fun and inclusive.

She is passionate about developing as a clinician to ensure her clients are well supported with evidence-based treatment approaches and are offered greater choices. She believes that focusing on the client’s specific needs and involving them in rehabilitation enables them to achieve better outcomes and improve overall experience and recovery from injuries.

Post Graduate experience:

  • Level 1 Balance Rehabilitation
  • Level 1 Bobath
  • Clinical Educator
  • Explain Pain UK (5-day course)
  • Fundamentals of Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Masters Module Pain Management

Jordan has also attended a wide range of training under the Community Adolescent Mental Health team to understand children’s difficulties, such as Attachment and Building Resilience, Managing Anxiety and ASD in Children and Young People. She has a special interest in Fabricated or Induced Illness and Functional Neurological Disorders.

Registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)

Jordan says:

I aim to achieve fun, open, and easy interactions with my clients, taking time to learn about their needs to encourage and empower my clients. I am thrilled to be part of the team and look forward to collaborating, learning, and positively impacting our clients’ lives. Together, we will continue to provide the highest level of care and support, and we can’t wait to see the positive difference they will make in our clients’ journeys to health and well-being.

Helga Machado

MCSP, SRP
Advanced Rehabilitation Practitioner & Chartered Physiotherapist
Leeds and Yorkshire Region

Helga is a passionate and  highly motivated Neurological Physiotherapist who is driven to improve the rehabilitation journey of her patients, always striving to deliver high quality through providing patient centred intervention .

Helga qualified in Physiotherapy Honours Degree at Egaz Moniz University in Portugal in 2005. After moving to the UK she gained further experience, working with a specialist Neurological Nursing facility with individuals living with long term disability. She has over 5 years of experience in the independent sector working with complex Neuro trauma, ABI , spinal injuries, orthopaedic injuries and paediatric neuro rehabilitation.

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Helga is experienced working across the community and in clinical setting within Intensive Rehabilitation, treating a wide variety of Neurological conditions including Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injuries, Progressive Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other related conditions.

She also has experience in Respiratory, Amputee Rehabilitation, Musculo-skeletal/Orthopaedic injuries and Hydrotherapy, Paediatrics with wide neurological conditions and special needs including trisomy 21, Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.

Helga is passionate in helping her patients achieve their full potential, motivated to continue maintaining and developing treatment approaches to ensure limits are not placed on patient’s progress. She is guided by individual’s goals and therapy input in a manner that suits their needs and life-style.

Besides her academic achievement, Helga has the following post graduate training:

  • Course in Spinal cord injuries
  • Course in Baby massage
  • Development and planning support patients and families with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Training course in Dementia and Cognitive issues
  • Training course in Huntington’s Disease
  • Lecture on Hip and knee Update Training
  • Rock tape: Functional Movement tapping Seminar Neuro level 1
  • Vestibular Assessment, treatment & Rehabilitation
  • Lower Limb Gait Analysis: Application and practice presented by Glenis Donaldson, Deborah O’Connor & Anna Knowles
  • Challenging Dizziness – Advanced Vestibular Assessment & Rehabilitation by Alan Sealy
  • Neuromuscular Energising Techniques – Movement analysis and handling techniques
  • Acute Stroke
  • Orthopaedics series: Back pain and cauda Equine
  • Hemiplegic shoulder pain: current best practice and research update
  • Hand rehabilitation
  • Team Leader Skills Training – Lead Academy
  • Parkinson’s Disease and falls – ACPIN
  • Neuroplasticity – Masterclass training course

Helga is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN).

Helga’s special interests are:

Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Injuries, , Cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorder, Cerebral Ataxia, Guillain Barre Syndrome, trips and falls prevention, Hand rehabilitation and Spinal Injuries.

Helga says: “My focus is on building good relationship with my patients by adopting a friendly yet professional approach providing motivation, believing that strong team work, between patient/therapist produces the best results.

The key of my success beyond my experience, is my ability to empathise and communicate effectively with people, exploring patient potential, persistence to achieve patient goals, combining passion and knowledge to care.

Helga speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Laura Atkinson

MRCOT
Clinical Specialist & Advanced Occupational Therapist
Leeds and Yorkshire region

Laura qualified with an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Leeds Beckett university in January 2017, after previously gaining a BSc in Psychology. Since graduating she has worked in various settings including acute hospital, in-patient rehabilitation and community both within the NHS and in the independent sector. She has gained skills in a number of areas including cardiology, general medicine, general surgery and orthopaedic surgery, but her passion lies in the area of neurology. She began her journey working at the stroke acute and rehab units at Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS foundation trust in 2018. She then went on to spend a few years working alongside individuals with complex brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, encephalopathy, and hypoxic brain injury at Daniel Yorath Trust, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust. In this role she supported clients in the inpatient setting to be more independent with everyday living tasks such as personal care, cooking and managing finances, assessing adaptations and to access social and leisure activities. She currently works as a senior occupational therapist for the NHS in stroke rehabilitation, which involves assessment and rehabilitation of functional, physical and cognitive skills in the acute phase post stroke and further long-term rehabilitation in the community.

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Through her experiences Laura has gained a good understanding of the many ways brain injury can impact a person’s ability to participate in everyday activities, and the challenges this brings to being able to participate fully in society. Laura believes that people can develop a positive identity after illness or injury through participation in meaningful activities and roles. She enjoys getting to know individuals, and learning what is important to them, and working alongside them in their journey to achieve their goals and live the life they want to.

Key areas of expertise

  • Functional assessment and rehabilitation of activities of daily living
  • Independent living skills
  • Cognitive assessment, evaluation and rehabilitation
  • Moving and handling assessments
  • Equipment recommendations
  • Home environmental assessments and adaptations
  • Upper limb assessment and rehabilitation
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Person-centred SMART goals and rehabilitation plans
  • Working collaboratively with clients, families, social care and other team members

Post-Graduate training

  • Starting out in stroke, The Royal college of occupational Therapists
  • Rehabilitation for people with deficits in executive functioning, Barbara Wilson
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioner Training, Ergocom
  • Occupational Therapy for the rehabilitation of people with Neurological Upper limb disorders, Harrison Training
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment certification

Laura is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Royal College of Occupational Therapist (MRCOT)

Laura says, “I am delighted to be a part of Healing Touch Rehab team, I feel extremely passionate about my role of empowering clients to restore fulfilments and helping them overcome physical, functional and mental barriers to independence”

Gemma Boon

MCSP, SRP
Clinical Specialist & Paediatric Physiotherapist
Leeds & Yorkshire region

Gemma qualified from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2003 with an Honours degree in Physiotherapy. She began her career as a rotational physiotherapist but soon developed a keen interest in the field of Paediatrics. After completing 2 years on a paediatric rotation she successfully applied for a Paediatric Physiotherapy post in 2008. She has worked in Paediatrics since then.

Gemma has experience over all age groups from neonates to young adults. She has extensive experience working with children with severe and complex needs and supporting the families and care team with postural care, use of equipment and suitable moving and handling regime. Gemma has worked many areas within the area of paediatrics including rehabilitation post acquired brain injury, childhood disability and children undergoing multi-level orthopaedic surgery and SDR. She has worked both with inpatients and in the community supporting children within clinic settings as well as at home and school.

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Alongside her work at Healing Touch Physiotherapy, Gemma works as part of a community physiotherapy team where she is a clinical lead within a special school. She has been involved in the pathway of hip surveillance for children with complex needs, reviewed NICE guidelines and is a CPIP assessor.

Besides her academic achievement Gemma has the following post graduate experience

  • Introduction to Bobath
  • Paediatric Respiratory Assessment (Birmingham Childrens Hospital)
  • Paediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Tuning
  • Paediatric Bobath – 8 week course
  • Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway – Train the Trainer
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Basic Makaton

Gemma is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Gemma says ‘ I love working within the field of paediatrics . Seeing a child develop new skills and work towards achieving their potential is extremely rewarding. I strongly believe that no matter the level of disability everyone has the ability to succeed with the right support and goals’

Lauren Drake

MRCSLT
Consultant Speech and Language Therapist
Leeds and Yorkshire Region

Lauren is a Consultant Speech and language Therapist. Her experiences have allowed her to work extensively across many areas within both paediatric and adult  Speech and Language Therapy.  She has a special interest in, Down syndrome, ABI, neurological impairment, genetic disorders, SEN, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Autistic spectrum disorder.

Lauren graduated from Leeds Beckett University, with a BSc Hons in Clinical Speech and Language Sciences in July 2015. Prior to this she worked as a Speech and Language Therapy assistant throughout her degree.  She has spent years working in the NHS, and within the private sector and also runs a private practice. She is involved in supporting specialist charities, and also acts in a consultative role with businesses and educational providers; as well as working in partnership with a Harley street based SLT practice who provide therapy all around the world.

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Lauren is passionate about equipping individuals who have Speech, language and Communication needs with the skills to overcome and manage their challenges. Over the years she has trained families and professionals in understanding communication in order to support and develop the communication abilities of the individuals they work with, and has been highly commended for her work within this area.

As a Licentiate of Trinity College London (Formally Trinity Guildhall), Lauren has integrated taught communication interventions and Speech and Language therapy across all ages. Lauren has supported a number of schools in re-evaluating their learning environments to create inclusive learning environments for all their students, enabling many children with additional needs to stay in mainstream education.

Professional Responsibilities

  • Identifying, evaluating and treating a range of speech, language and communication difficulties/disorders with the use of up-to-date and regular formal/informal assessment.
  • Diagnosing and treating complex Speech, language and communication needs.
  • Formulating evidenced-based, holistic treatment programmes, suitable for differing needs and abilities.
  • Working closely with carers and healthcare/education professional (Including joint working and training).
  • Assessing communication environments in order to monitor and evaluate clients’ progress.
  • Teaching communication skills, and where appropriate advising on alternative communication strategies.
  • Implementing the use of outcome measure to monitor progress.
  • To write Education Health Care plans, and also construct accurate and detailed reports to support the on-going review of education health care plans

Besides her academic achievement, Lauren has the following post graduate training:

  • Makaton
  • Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PEC’s)
  • Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Support (SCERTS)
  • Autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS). 

Lauren is registered with: HCPC – Health Care Professionals Council

Member of:  RCSLT – Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Lauren says , “ As a paediatric speech and language therapist, I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their families, by helping children to achieve their potential through communication. If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s concerned about your child’s speech or language skills, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help your child thrive.”

Karen Hoop

MRCOT
Clinical Specialist & Advanced Occupational Therapist
Leeds and North Yorkshire

Karen graduated from Derby School of Occupational Therapy in 1990 and has over 30 years of experience working with both adults and children with complex needs. She has worked in Newcastle, Leeds, Norfolk and York within acute, community, physical and mental health settings gaining experience in medicine, surgery, stroke rehabilitation, neurology, orthopaedics, child and adolescent mental health, play therapy, organic and functional illness, and Dementia care.

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Karen has worked as a Senior community occupational therapist at York and Scarborough teaching hospital NHS trust since 2000. Her role involves assessment and treatment of clients in their own environment to maximise independence and quality of life, to maintain safety at home and to prevent hospital admission. Within her role, Karen works with people with a vast range of complex health problems. This includes patients with neuro- disabilities, such as, brain injuries, Functional neurological disorders, polytrauma, orthopaedic injuries, Motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis among other things.

Occupational Therapy Intervention includes environmental assessment/ adaptations, equipment recommendation, moving and handling assessments, advice regarding posture and seating. Cognitive assessment and treatment. Karen works holistically to deliver functional assessments working collaboratively with the client to set SMART goals. She keeps her client’s goals at the centre of her work to provide occupation-focussed specialist interventions within their own homes and liaises with family carers and other professionals.

Recently Karen has been supporting clients with long covid helping them manage fatigue and cognitive symptoms and working on strategies to enable them to return to work and educational settings

Karen has the following postgraduate training

  • Assessment of Motor and Processing skills (AMPS)
  • Clinical Educators course
  • TA 101 course – introduction to transactional analysis.
  • MOCA Test certification
  • Parkinson’s Foundation modules for health and social care staff
  • Manual handling
  • Dementia specific postural care
  • Frailty
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Safeguarding Adults
  • Practice Placement Educator
  • Pain management
  • Resilience
  • Introduction to Coaching
  • Single handed care
  • Slings and hoisting
  • Management of spasticity Seating assessment and provision

Key areas of expertise

  • Cognitive, physical and behavioural assessment and rehabilitation
  • Upper limb rehabilitation and fine motor skill training
  • Facilitating physical and functional rehabilitation
  • Postural and specialist seating assessment
  • Functional assessment and activities of daily living
  • Independent living skills
  • Moving and handling and equipment assessment
  • Adaptations and environmental recommendations
  • Fatigue management
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Karen says she is passionate about Occupational Therapy and looks beyond diagnosis and client’s limitations to enable people to achieve their goals and aspirations. She uses her problem solving approach to enable clients to participate in meaningful occupations.

Maria Liversidge

MCSP, SRP
Clinical Specialist & Neurological Physiotherapist
Yorkshire Region

Maria qualified as a physiotherapist in 2004 from Northumbria University. She has 15 years of physiotherapy practice working in the NHS for Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust and York Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust. She has worked in a variety of settings which was initially within the acute sector gaining skills in ICU, HDU, medical wards, musculoskeletal, mental health, intermediate care, orthopaedics and elderly care. Maria started her journey specialising in neurology and long term rehabilitation in acquired brain injury in 2008 where she worked in the stroke rehabilitation ward treating clients with acute stroke, covering stroke outpatients, neurosciences outpatients, child development centre, children’s ward and the adult learning disability team.

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Maria’s current role within the NHS is working in the Community Therapy Team where she is the lead physiotherapist for a Parkinsons clinic and a senior physiotherapist within the community team. Maria works autonomously managing an individual community caseload as well as working within a MDT for the neurology clinic. She also provides initial assessments and therapeutic input for the community response team which handle community step-ups and acute discharges.

Maria has the following post graduate training:

Bobath therapy

Lycra and neurological splint measurement

Professional Practise Educator

Neuro Gym Ball Course

Saebo Arm Training Program

Aquatic Physiotherapy

On-call respiratory NIV training

Clinical Swiss Ball Systems

Treatment for Ataxia

Functional Recovery of the Hand

Clinical Audit

PD Warrior

Parkinson’s Management

Maria is registered with:

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists with interest in Neurology (ACPIN)

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People (AGILE)

Maria says, ‘I have a holistic and goal orientated, client centred approach. My passion is within rehabilitation physiotherapy and am delighted to be joining this wonderful and dynamic team.’

 

Jenny Hughes 

MRCOT
Clinical Specialist & Advanced Occupational Therapist
Leeds and North Yorkshire

Jenny qualified in 2005 after completing the Occupational Therapy BHSc Hons accelerated route at York St John choosing to study as an Occupational Therapist having completed a Psychology degree in 1993 and working as a learning and work adviser for people with physical and mental health problems and disabilities. She supported a caseload of people with learning difficulties in employment. She is a dual qualified Senior Occupational Therapist with experience of working across physical and mental health settings, with transferable skills and resources gained across different NHS settings.

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​A client focused individual who works collaboratively with clients, carers and health professionals to promote independence and maximise an individual’s health and wellbeing using a biopsychosocial approach.

Jenny has worked as a Senior Community Occupational Therapist since 2009 at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Her role is aimed at preventing hospital admission and facilitating discharges for patients with a range of short term acute and long term complex health problems and neuro disabilities, including clients with Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, brain injuries and Functional Neurological Disorders and for clients requiring complex case management and multi-disciplinary working. She provides holistic, functional assessments, assisting patients to set SMART goals and providing occupation focussed, specialist interventions at their homes.

Her treatment approach focuses on environmental assessment, home adaptation assessment, functional and standardised falls assessments (Westmead Home Safety Assessment, Homefast) and cognitive assessments (RUDAS, MOCA, ACE).
Jenny is a lead Occupational Therapist for Parkinson’s patients within the community and at the weekly multi-disciplinary clinics. Jenny has developed care pathways and delivers training in falls prevention and Parkinson’s awareness for staff, clients with neurological conditions and voluntary groups. She is a Parkinson’s UK accredited trainer.

Key areas of expertise

  • Complex assessment and treatment of adult and paediatric neurology
  • Cognitive, physical and behavioural assessment and rehabilitation
  • Upper limb rehabilitation and fine motor skill training
  • Facilitating physical and functional rehabilitation
  • Postural and specialist seating assessment
  • Functional assessment and activities of daily living
  • Independent living skills
  • Transitional rehabilitation
  • Moving and handling and equipment assessment
  • Adaptations and environmental recommendations
  • Fatigue management
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Jenny has the following Post Graduate Training:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Essentials (APT Level 2)
  • MOCA Test certification
  • Parkinson’s for health and social care staff
  • Wheelchair Accredited Assessor
  • Manual handling
  • Dementia specific postural care
  • Frailty
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Safeguarding Adults
  • Practice Placement Educator
  • Pain management
  • Resilience
  • Introduction to Coaching
  • Introduction to counselling skills

Jenny says, “ I am extremely passionate about my profession and the difference I can bring by empowering my clients, enabling them to achieve their goals, restore functions and live a meaningful life”

Christine Malloch

MCSP, SRP
Clinical Specialist & Neurological Paediatric Physiotherapist
North & Yorkshire region

Chris graduated from Liverpool School of Physiotherapy and has over 25 years experience working as a clinical practitioner and a neurological paediatric physiotherapist. She specialised early on in her career as a paediatric therapist once completing her junior rotations. She has gained a vast wealth of knowledge and experience within the field of neurological physiotherapy from working in a variety of clinical settings both acute and community based, including centers of excellence, specialist children’s hospitals alongside highly experienced clinical specialists.

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Chris has continued to develop her clinical skills with further training on postgraduate courses. She is extensively trained and experienced in neuro-developmental therapy (NDT/Bobath/Hare) and her special interests include treating children with developmental delay, the management and treatment of children with complex neurological conditions, neonates and treatment with aquatic therapy.

She has completed the Bobath Early Intervention course as an adjunct to her eight-week paediatric Bobath course alongside sensory integration techniques and uses both approaches in conjunction with each other into her therapy prescription to optimize and enhance client’s potential. Chris is trained in aquatic therapy and rebound therapy and uses these skills and knowledge within her therapy intervention.

Chris covers Leeds and Yorkshire region supporting children and young adults with complex neurological injuries, ABI and spinal injuries. She is actively involved in advice and training to care teams and support complex care packages, working collaboratively around wider multidisciplinary teams.

Besides her academic achievement Chris has the following post graduate experience

  • Post graduate neurodevelopmental and Bobath Training
  • Bobath early intervention
  • Sensory Integration
  • Aquatic therapy
  • Rebound therapy
  • BSL level-2

Chris is registered with:

  • Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Member of:

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapist (CSP)
  • Association of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists (APCP)

Chris says, “I am delighted to be part of this competent team and I am confident that my passion and dedication to the clients and families will enhance and facilitate their recovery process and help them achieve their maximum potential”.

Ian Godolphin

Ian Godolphin

Advanced Rehab Assistant & Operations Supervisor

Ian has over 15 years’ experience of supporting children and adults within both care and educational settings.

In his role as a primary school teaching assistant, Ian supported children with special educational needs and disabilities and regularly worked alongside an external physiotherapy team gaining experience in Rebound therapy and Hydrotherapy. He also has experience of using music therapy as a clinical intervention to help with meeting educational goals.

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Ian has spent the last eight years working at Martin House Children’s Hospice on the Care Team, supporting children and young adults with a complex life-shortening conditions. Working alongside the medical team he has become proficient in family led care and bereavement support.

Ian is a qualified Gym Instructor and has uses these skills within the therapy sessions. Throughout his career, he has obtained an abundance of training both medically and holistically, ranging from moving and handling and respiratory physiotherapy, to epilepsy management and administration of medication and enteral nutrition feeding techniques.

Ian possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills gained over years of working with children and their families.

Ian says, “I am excited to be part of this experienced, multi-disciplinary team to support the rehabilitation and care journey of our clients.”

Helen Maskill

Advanced Rehabilitation Assistant and Client Liaison Coordinator

Helen has over 22 years of experience working as a Senior Physiotherapy Assistant at Holly Bank Trust and is highly experienced  to work with clients with additional needs, managing their equipment, orthotics provision and therapy plan. Helen is trained to deliver hydrotherapy, rebound therapy and also holds a STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Award

Helen has extensive training and experience in moving and handling people, safeguarding children and adults, training on gastrostomy , suctioning , epilepsy awareness, disability awareness and postural care for clients with additional needs.

Helen has excellent organisational and communication skills and she plays a crucial role in planning of orthotic provision, equipment sourcing and day to day supporting and coordinating between clients ad their wider multidisciplinary team.

Harpreet Rattan

Advanced Rehabilitation Assistant & Team Coordinator 

Harpreet has many years of experience in therapy and care sector, working with young people and adults with complex needs. She is trained and qualified in moving and handling of young people and adults, brain injury rehabilitation, Paediatric and adult first aid, safeguarding of vulnerable adults and also health and safety at work.

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Harpreet graduated in 2014 as a Landscape Architect from Leeds Beckett University. After having worked in this industry for a few years, she soon identified her passion to work with complex needs and stepped in to care sector in 2016, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and clients with complex Neuro disability.

She possesses excellent functioning and organisational skills, besides assisting our clinicians and delivering designated rehab packages for our clients, she also plays a crucial role in the day to day administration of the practice.

Harpreet says, “I am thrilled to join this dynamic team, I believe that encouragement and empowerment in rehabilitation is the key to create a window for future independent living”

Jenny Hall

Jenny Hall

Advanced Rehabilitation Assistant and Student Physiotherapist

Jenny has worked within NHS Newcastle as a Community Paediatric Technical Instructor and Lead Children support practitioner for over 5 years and has extensive experience working with children with complex needs. She is trained on Makaton, Rebound Therapy and Hydrotherapy (Halliwick). Jenny is also a second year Physiotherapy student at Teesside University.

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Working in the community has enabled her to work with a diverse range of families. Having worked  closely with interpreters and other health professionals such as community nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and teachers, she has developed a holistic approach in managing her case load. Jenny has worked closely with orthotics and has good understanding of paediatric equipment and orthotics. Jenny arranges CPIP (Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway) clinic for the clinical team and assist assessment and recording of outcome measures. She has a passion for working in paediatrics and with over 12 years’ experience, she is keen for a career in paediatrics working with children with respiratory and neurological conditions.

At Healing Touch Rehab, Jenny works alongside hour  skilled physiotherapists, occupational therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, carrying out  detailed work and follow all implemented programs to aid in physical development, targeted rehabilitation goals, assisting within gym based set up, hydrotherapy and rebound therapy programs, assisting in assessment of specialist equipment and other therapies.

Jenny says, “ I am thrilled to be a  part of the team and working alongside some highly experienced clinician, I am excited to make a positive difference to my clients rehabilitation journeys.”

Harry Davies

Advanced Personal Trainer and Student Physiotherapist

Harry has over 10 years of experience in public and private health sectors, working closely with all ages and abilities, promoting their health and well-being. Harry is a qualified personal trainer with experience working with adults and young people, facilitating exercise plans, and offering progressive training to strengthen and refine musculoskeletal and motor skills. Harry is currently qualifying as a physiotherapist at the University of Bradford. This has been a new venture following his work as a Personal Trainer and is a natural progression from working with general populations and within injury-specific rehabilitation.

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Harry aspires to qualify and work alongside our skilled professionals to ensure he is constantly upskilling to make a real difference in our client’s lives. Harry works closely with our team of neurological physiotherapists and the wider multi-disciplinary team to support rehabilitation plans for clients with acquired brain injury and spinal injuries.

Natalie Trow

Business Manager

Natalie is a valuable member of our business support team. She has a wealth of experience in the field of business administration and financial management, supporting clinical practices and expert witness services. Natalie helps in day to day running of our practice, liaising with the legal team, case management services and the multidisciplinary team.

Kimberley Blair

Medical Secretary

Kimberley is our medical secretary and has over 30 years of experience in hospital management, business administration, supporting clinical practices and expert witness services. Kimberley has worked as a Medical Secretary in Trauma related Surgery at Leeds Teaching Hospitals since 1990, and brings a whole host of excellent skills and experience to her role supporting our clinical team and medico legal experts.