Melissa Blackney
Physiotherapist | Adults & Young People 
15 Year's Physiotherapy Experience
Southampton, Hampshire -
within 2 hours travel time 
Meet the case manager
Case Manager Profile
As an experienced neuro physiotherapist, I am passionate about supporting clients with complex neurological challenges to realise their goals. As a Case Manager for ILS I bring with me my extensive experience of working with clients with a wide range of complex needs both in neuro inpatient, outpatient and community services. I am committed to working hard to ensure all of my clients, and their families, have the services and the support that they need.
Core Experience
- 12 years specialising in Neurology
- Acute, rehab and community experience
- Brain Injuries
- Cerebral Palsy
- Holistic working
- Multi-Disciplinary Team working
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stroke
Professional Qualifications, Registrations & Membership
- Registered Practitioner, British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management (BABICM)
- HCPC registered Physiotherapist
- Member of Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN)
- Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Areas of Special Knowledge and Interest
- FES
- Fatigue Management
- Postural Management
- Neuro Rehabilitation
Previous Clinical Experience
2021 – 2024
Specialist Neurophysiotherapist – Solent NHS Trust
Working in the community, managing a caseload of clients with a range of neurological conditions. Working within the MDT to achieve the clients goals. Supervising junior staff and mentoring students.
2018 – 2020
Neurophysiotherapist – Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Working within the MDT to manage a variety of complex neuro patients in a range of inpatient and outpatient settings.
2015 – 2018
Neurophysiotherapist – Homerton Hospital London
Working within the MDT to manage a variety of complex neuro patients in a range of inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Including Band 7 team lead in the community and managing a variety of complex neuro patients in a specialist rehab service for brain injury and complex disability.
2013 – 2015
Neurophysiotherapist – Royal London Hospital
Working within the MDT to manage a variety of complex neuro patients in a range of inpatient, community and outpatient settings.
Articles
Melissa recently wrote an article for the NR Times about shifting focus moving from the role of physiotherapist to case manager, which you can read here:
Maintaining Excellence
Melissa is committed to maintaining her skills and abilities and engages readily in varied training supported by ILS Case Management which includes the following areas:
- Capacity and Consent
- Safeguarding Training, Completed: Children 22/08/25, Adults 21/08/25
- Recruitment and Employment
- Litigation
- Management of Risk
- Moving and Handling
- GDPR
Clinical Lead
All of our Case Managers are supported by a member of the Clinical Lead team to provide peer review, maintain clinical standards and provide continuity of service for all clients.
Laura Porter
Laura has been a Clinical Lead since 2020, bringing nearly ten years of experience as an ILS Case Manager to the role. A qualified Occupational Therapist, Laura specialises in supporting children and young people who have sustained a brain injury.