
Rachael Eckford

Experience
- 5 years case management experience
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Adults with Complex Needs
- Amputations
- Cerebral Palsy
- Managing Care Teams
- Managing Rehabilitation Teams
- Managing Support Staff
- Mental Health
- Neurological Occupational Therapy
- Orthopaedic Injuries
- Wealth of Experience as a Qualified Occupational Therapist
Key Skills
- Case Management of adults with acquired brain injury in the community
- Dynamic with strong communications skills
- Proven track record in developing effective cross agency working
- Clear concise comprehensive reports
- Developing rehabilitation plans to action identified recommendations
- Strong advocate for clients
Profile
I am extremely passionate about facilitating clients to maintain independent lives wherever possible. I have a very practical approach, being very outcome focused within the remit of the client’s needs and wishes.
As an excellent communicator I am able to develop good working relationships with clients/families and wider external networks.
I have worked extensively with adults both within acute and community care services. I have a good knowledge of both statutory and independent services for clients.
Previous Clinical Experience
Advanced Occupational Therapist- Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Bank)
As an advanced Occupational Therapist covering clinical areas of A&E, orthopaedics, general medicine, cardiology and neurological rehabilitation Rachael’s role requires excellent skills in assessment, goal setting, treatment planning and implementation of identified rehabilitation plans and programmes.
Integrated Medical and Surgical OT Team Leader – Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Rachael’s role required high quality team management skills managing a team of occupational therapists and technicians within the clinical areas of surgical, acute medical and oncology. Alongside team management responsibilities Rachael was clinical OT lead for oncology and palliative care, providing assessments, grading activities, energy conservation, fatigue management techniques and equipment provision (specialist moving and handling, complex seating, positioning and pressure care).
Community OT Team Leader- Hampshire Primary Care Trust
Rachael’s responsibilities included managing a community occupational therapy team alongside managing an active caseload which was varied with a diverse group of clients with different conditions including oncology, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and long-term neurological conditions. Integral to this role was completion of home assessments for specialised equipment including ceiling track hoists, through floor lifts and adapted kitchens/bathrooms.
Oct 2005 – Feb 2006 Elective Orthopaedics Acting Team Leader- Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust
Rachael was responsible for managing the elective orthopaedic OT services for a large geographical area within Hampshire. Carrying an active orthopaedic caseload including hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow replacements and setting up and completing rehabilitation with varying precautions attached eg weightbearing, limited range of movement.
Sept 2003 – Sept 2005 Senior 11 Stroke Rehabilitation -Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust
Whilst in this role Rachael assessed, implemented and evaluated treatment plans for clients who had suffered a stroke. Rachael used rehabilitation techniques such as Bobath. Rachael jointly facilitated an upper limb recovery clinic and a simulated return to driving screen.
Professional Qualifications & Affiliations
- Member of British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)
- Member of Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Advanced Registered Practitioner, British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management (BABICM)
Maintaining Excellence
Rachael is committed to maintaining her skills and abilities and engages readily in varied training supported by Independent Living Solutions Ltd which includes the following areas:
- Capacity and Consent
- Safeguarding Training: Adults 07/03/24 and Children 20/12/23
- Recruitment and Employment
- Litigation
- Management of Risk
- Moving and Handling
- GDPR