BIO

Carolyn Evans ​(BSc OT)

Occupational Therapy for children and young adults, including Acquired Brain Injury, Progressive neurological conditions, Learning Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Disorders of written expression, Epilepsy, Down’s Syndrome, Sensory rehabilitation, Upper extremity rehabilitation, Spasticity management, Fatigue Management, Anxiety . . .

Conditions Orthopaedic Injuries Progressive neurological conditions

Specialist skills Sensory rehabilitation Upper extremity rehab’ SMART Goal setting Work based Assessments Pain management Spasticity management Fatigue management Anxiety Environment management Posture & Seating Dynamic & Static splinting Aids & Equipment Assistive Technology

Regulation/M’rship HCPC: ​OT51973 BAOT: BT0234569

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Carolyn is an experienced and committed Occupational Therapist, who has worked for the NHS, Social Services, charitable and educational organisations in the UK and internationally. Through this vast experience she has developed her skill-base and knowledge, working with MDT’s in diverse environments, proving adaptability, flexibility and commitment to all her roles. Carolyn is creative, conscientious, energetic and reliable, demonstrating integrity, compassion and excellent interpersonal skills. Carolyn has worked with children, young people and their families struggling with an array of complex conditions, ranging from cerebral palsy, spina-bifida, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, developmental coordination disorder (‘dyspraxia’), disorder of written expression, handwriting difficulties, dyslexia, epilepsy, brain trauma, down’s syndrome and other genetic conditions that can cause learning difficulties and physical impairments. Her skill base covers sensory processing difficulties, postural management, hand splinting, advocacy, formal report writing, assessments and reviews, letters & regular contribution to Education, Health & Care-Plans & I.E.Ps. In her work, Carolyn regularly liaises with families/guardians, paediatricians, other health professionals, clinical and educational psychologists, school staff & external agencies, such as social workers. Carolyn has also used her therapeutic skills on a voluntary basis in Croatia and Nepal, providing clinical treatments, training to local staff, fundraising and providing therapeutic equipment such as wheelchairs, static-seating, sensory processing tools and medical equipment to an orphanage in Kathmandu.

01550 537 537

Carolyn’s work in Nepal has developed over the past 6 years and she is now Co-founder and Chair of NICHE UK (Nepali Initiative in Children’s Health and Education); a not-for-profit organisation established to support the sister organisation NICHE Nepal (a Non-Governmental Organisation - NGO) in Kathmandu. This NGO has been established to educate local people about disability, to support & advocate for children & young people with special needs in Nepal. The project goal is to provide outreach support to promote & provide therapeutic intervention, healthcare provision and special needs education in remote villages of Nepal. Carolyn qualified as an Occupational Therapist from Brunel University in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She developed her interest in Paediatric Occupational Therapy following a rotation opportunity following graduation with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, where she also gained training and experience in hand therapy, mental health and orthopaedics. Carolyn is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT), the World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT), the Sensory Integration Network and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Sections in ‘Independent Practice’ and ‘Children Young People and Families’.

Find out more about our team www.theotcentre.co.uk/team

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EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BRUNEL UNIVERSITY - LONDON BSc Hons - Occupational Therapy

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2007

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 01 June 2018

Occupational Therapist, The OT Centre

Dec 2017-Apr 2018

Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service, Serennu Children’s Centre, Newport Aneurin Bevan UHB Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Post Held:

Managing a complex generic caseload of children, ranging from the ages of 3 months to 19 years using the Malcomess approach, covering the Newport, Torfaen & Caerphilly areas.Identification of individual needs of the child & their carers by way of initial assessment, using interview, standard/ non-standard assessments & clinical observation.Regular home & school visits across the boroughs for completion of risk assessments, observation & liaison with carers & teachers to provide advice & determine plan of action (adhering to safe-guarding & lone-working policies at all times). Planning & implementing achievable treatment goals (using SMART guidelines - ie. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant & Timely ) in negotiation with child & carers, producing Care-Plans for referral to OT technicians for intervention. Assessment for, & resourcing specialist equipment, such as postural seating, adaptive tools for handwriting development & other functional activities, including toileting, bathing & dressing. Offering advice & education surrounding adaptive equipment & guidance on strategies to address for example, difficulties with sensory processing, motor-planning & global hypermobility. Multi-disciplinary team working; attendance at school meetings, acting as advocate for child. Referral to other health- professionals & external agencies.Formal report writing; maintaining clinical records. Regular collation of statistics in accordance with Welsh Assembly Guidelines. Nov-Dec 2017 Post Held:

Children’s Occupational Therapy Service, Parc Dewi Sant, Carmarthen Hywell Dda UHB Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Working on waiting-list initiative, covering Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire localities. Supporting the team by carrying out initial assessments via telephone call & follow-up face-to-face assessment when required, using standard/ non-standard assessments & clinical observation. Identification of individual needs of the child & their carers. Planning & implementing achievable treatment goals (using SMART guidelines) in negotiation with child & carers, producing Care-Plans for assignment to OT technicians for intervention. Providing advice & guidance on strategies to address difficulties with sensory processing, motor-planning & hypermobility for example, & referring on to other health professionals as necessary.Formal report writing & update of clinical records.Frequent liaison with carers, multi-disciplinary team & external agencies. June-Nov 2017 Post Held:

Children’s Occupational Therapy Dept, Shirley Clinic, Solihull, West Midlands Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Duties focused specifically on waiting-list reduction, working with & supporting team by completing initial assessments, using both standard & non-standard assessments within the Solihull & Birmingham areas. Duties involved the identification of the individual needs of the child, using a family-centred approach. Providing advice & guidance on strategies to address difficulties with sensory processing, motor-planning & hypermobility for example, & referring on to other health professionals as necessary, with a view to discharge.Formal report writing & update of clinical records.Frequent liaison with carers, multi-disciplinary team & external agencies. May-June 2017 Post Held:

Paediatric Therapies Dept, Leatherhead Clinic, Leatherhead, Surrey CSH Surrey Partnership Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Providing paediatric occupational therapy into mainstream & specialist schools [working with children with a range of diagnoses, such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sensory Processing Difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder & Cerebral Palsy].Roles included handwriting & sensory processing assessments, intervention planning & provision using client/family centred & functional approach & employing SMART guidelines; assessment/review & supply of static seating to schools & home; provision of other specialist equipment.Contribution to Education Health & Care Plan reports; IPA's, reviews & annual reports.Supporting therapy team with clinics by completing initial assessments or reviews using interview, clinical observation, non-standard & standardised assessments; followed by report writing & recommendations; undertaking splinting clinics in special needs schools; fabrication & assessment of splints (off-the shelf, thermoplastic & Lycra), attending multi-disciplinary meetings; annual reviews.Multi-disciplinary working with families/carers, Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, SENCos, teaching staff & outside agencies. Nov 2016 - March 2017 Post Held:

Children’s OT Dept, The Children’s Centre, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash Cwm Taf University Health Board Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Managing a complex generic caseload of children, ranging from the ages of 3 months to 19 years.Supporting the team by completing initial assessments & reviews, both at the hospital base & through home and/or school visits; using standard/ non-standard assessments & clinical observation.Identification of individual needs of the child & their carers. Resourcing specialist equipment, provision of hand-splints, planning & implementing achievable treatment goals (using SMART guidelines) in negotiation with child & carers. Providing advice & guidance on strategies to address sensory processing difficulties. Housing/school risk-assessments. Multi-disciplinary team working; involving joint-treatment sessions, referrals, attendance at meetings & school reviews. Referral to other health-professionals and external agencies.Formal report writing; maintaining clinical 2 of 6

records. Regular collation of statistics in accordance with Welsh Assembly Guidelines.

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March - Oct 2016 Post Held:

Children’s OT Dept, Soho Health Centre, Soho Road, Birmingham Birmingham Community NHS Trust Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Supporting the management of existing waiting lists, covering three sites in Birmingham.Implementing initial assessments & discharging as appropriate using the Malcomess approach.Following on key assessments with school & home visits; resourcing equipment, hand-splints & referring on to other professionals as necessary.Producing Care-Plans using SMART goals for assignment to OT technicians for treatment.Frequent liaison with carers, multi-disciplinary team & external agencies.Gathering statistics for auditing purposes. Oct 2015 - March 2016 Post Held:

Children’s Occupational Therapy Dept, Danestrete Health Centre, Stevenage Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Working within multi-disciplinary professional team, providing assessment, treatment & advice service for children with a variety of learning & physical disabilities & associated communication difficulties.Comprehensive initial assessments following referral to service, involving the use of both standardised & non-standardised assessment, clinical observation & interview. Goal setting, using SMART guidelines & referring on to appropriate professionals/agencies when required.Regular communication with families, medical professionals, schools, specialist centres & acting as advocate for child & families.Multi-team working; involving joint-assessment & treatment sessions, home & school reviews & meetings.Formal report writing, including initial assessments & reviews, letters & regular contribution to Education, Health & Care-Plans (ECHPs) & I.E.Ps.Maintaining case-notes & statistics on System One database.Provision of specialist paediatric therapeutic equipment, including postural seating, 24 hours postural management & hand-splint fabrication (thermoplastic/ soft-casting) & off-the-shelf provision.Adhering to safe-guarding & lone-working policies at all times. June - Oct 2015 Post Held:

Children & Young People’s Integrated Therapies, West Berks Community Hospital Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Managing extensive & diverse caseload across Newbury, Wokingham & Reading areas; community & special-school based role.Working within multi-disciplinary team in terms of assessment, treatment & review of complex cases.Assessment & provision of complex seating & sleep systems; fabrication & provision of ‘off-the-shelf’ hand-splints.Providing advice on sensory processing difficulties to carers/schools.Acting as advocate for children & their families.Frequent home & school visits.Formal report writing, including initial assessment & reviews, letters & regular contribution to Education, Health & Care-Plans & I.E.Ps.Regular liaison with families/guardians, school staff & external agencies.Adhering to safe-guarding & lone-working practices. Dec 2014 - May 2015 Post Held:

Hillingdon Manor Independent School Therapies Dept, Harlington Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Providing Paediatric OT input within an independent specialist school for children on the autism spectrum aged between 11 & 19. Based at the secondary school site, role involved assessment, treatment planning (using functional approach), one-to-one intervention & facilitation of classroom based programmes in consultation with child, educators & family/carers.Planning transition programmes, incorporating foundation & life-skills. Active participation in multi-disciplinary team working, particularly with Educational Psychologists, Music therapists & SaLT’s. Regular attendance at school reviews, case-meetings & staff meetings.Contributing to annual school review & ECHP reports.Attending Safeguarding & Prevent meetings. Oct - Dec 2014 Post Held:

London Borough of Hillingdon Occupational Therapy Team, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Delivering community-based occupational therapy for children aged 0-19 years old, with a wide range of disabilities.Completing complex family & residential home environmental assessments; identification & recommendation of adaptations & specialist equipment to maximise independence & safety in the home and/or community settings such as schools eg. Hoists, stair, bath & hand rails, bathing equipment; & reviewing equipment within regulated time-frames.Assessment for & provision of static-seating & referral to Wheelchair Services when necessary.Regular liaison with social workers, health services, architects & building contractors.Completing Moving & Handling risk assessments.Adhering to legislation eg. Children’s Health & Social Care Act 2012, Children’s Act 2004. Mar - Sept 2014 Post Held:

Young Epilepsy Therapies Team, St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey Senior Occupational Therapist - Paediatrics (Locum)

Managing complex caseload of children suffering from epilepsy and other neurological conditions in this charitable institution. Duties included: ● assessment of the functional needs and suitability of placement of children and young adults at Young Epilepsy, via multi-disciplinary screening process. ● Provision and management of specialist paediatric equipment through review and prescription of static seating, wheelchairs, bathing & toileting equipment; hand-splints. ● Maintaining respectful relationships with families/guardians, school staff, external agencies. Multi-disciplinary team working; involving joint-treatment sessions, referrals, attendance at meetings & school reviews; supporting teachers, TAs & residential carers with various strategies, including sensory processing. ● Formal report writing; maintaining clinical records. ● Regular collation of statistics for auditing purposes.

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2009 - 2014 Post Held: ● ●

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Paediatric OT Dept, St David’s Children’s Centre & Ty Gwyn Special School, Cardiff Cardiff & Vale University Health Board Paediatric Occupational Therapist - Static Post

Managing a complex generic caseload of children, ranging from the ages of 3 months to 19 years, using a holistic, client-centred approach Assessment & identification of the occupational needs of children following referral, via screening, home and/or school visits, through interviews, standard & non-standard assessments & clinical observation; using established concepts & current evidence underpinning practice of OT, whilst considering appropriate health & social care legislation Planning & implementing achievable treatment goals (using SMART guidelines in negotiation with the child & family) Treatment through either group activity or one-to-one sessions; using outcome measures (eg. GAS, CHEC) to evaluate & monitor progress via reviews & providing feedback to child & parents/guardians Lone-working in unpredictable environments, whilst adhering to safe-working practice Provision of specialist paediatric equipment through prescription of static seating, wheelchairs, bathing & toileting equipment; hand-splints etc; involving liaison with inter-departmental colleagues, sales reps or referral to relevant agencies for adaptations Maintaining respectful relationships with families/guardians, school staff, external agencies such as the Social Services teams, charitable organisations & multi-disciplinary teams by regular contact by phone, correspondence & meetings Referral to other health-professionals or social service colleagues Multi-disciplinary team working; involving joint-treatment sessions, referrals, attendance at meetings & school reviews Placement Educator mentoring duties Delegation of work to and working alongside OT technicians & admin support Formal report writing; including screen assessment reports, OT & educational reviews, supporting Statements of Educational Need, individual/group treatment reports & risk assessment reports etc Maintaining accurate & confidential clinical records using PARIS database system & paper files; regular use of computer systems ie. Cequipt; Word; PowerPoint, Excel spreadsheets; email & intranet/internet (for research purposes) Producing letters of support for housing applications; professional advice, etc Making use of the department resources eg. toy-library, parent/school info leaflets & creation of own resources owing to constraints of limited funding Regular attendance & presentations at monthly staff & team meetings; BAOT/Unison & Local Partnership Forum meetings Management of busy diary & patient appointments; managing expenses Maintaining CPD through attendance at mandatory NHS & in-house training, external courses, regular supervision & self-reflective practice Regular collation of statistics to support evidence based-practice & auditing; in line with Welsh Assembly guideline Adherence to departmental policies & protocols; preserving professional integrity & adhering to the COT Code of Ethics

2007 - 2009 Post Held:

Cardiff & Vale University Health Board (Various location in and around Cardiff & the Vale) Basic Grade Occupational Therapist - Rotational Post

Community Paediatrics – Llandough Children’s Centre, Penarth Working as part of the community children’s occupational therapy team, involving; assessment & identification of occupational needs of children following referral from multi-disciplinary team (MDT) & external agents through screens and/or home or school visits (involving lone-working); using interviews, clinical observation & standardised assessments. Planning & implementing graded OT intervention through one-to-one sessions or group treatment; using outcome measures to evaluate & monitor progress. Assessment & provision of equipment to home & school; referring to relevant agencies for adaptations.Regular liaison with parents/guardians, multi-disciplinary team, schools, social services & other external agencies. Hand Therapy – Llandough Hospital, Penarth Assessment & treatment of upper limb injury following elective surgery, trauma or disease involving: conservative management of conditions such as osteoarthritis & nerve injury, by provision of education as a preventative measure & direct therapeutic intervention involving exercises, scar management, heat treatment, hand strengthening & pain management - using methods such as myo-fascial massage & E-link technology.Fabrication, design & use of neuroplastic splints or “off-the-shelf” splints, for purposes of protection, immobilisation, support & positioning, correction & prevention of deformity, to gain optimum function and/or substitute for lost motor function. Use of outcome measures to assess results of intervention, regular input at outpatients’ clinic. presence at hand surgery procedures as part of Continual Professional Development. Acute Medicine – University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff Planning & facilitation of safe discharge of patients involving, good organisational skills, multi-disciplinary team working & assertiveness, involving, the identification of potential risk factors, through washing, dressing & kitchen assessments, home-access visits, liaison with patients, family members/ carers, social workers, community OTs & other health professionals at case reviews & by phone.Managing & prioritising heavy workload in pressurised environment, - assessment & supply of equipment to home prior to discharge. Mental Health Services for Older People – Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff Working alongside multidisciplinary team in the therapeutic intervention of people with dementia type & other mental illnesses, involving. planning & facilitation of activity groups using multi-sensory approach & pat-dog therapy, undertaking washing, dressing & kitchen assessments in the clinical environment completing assessments in home environment & outside in the community prior to potential discharge.Attending meetings with multi-disciplinary team & external agents to discuss discharge planning. Recording confidential clinical notes on PARIS database.Acting as advocate for clients. Community Pre-Admission Orthopaedics – Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Cardiff Working as part of the orthopaedics team in the provision of education & equipment to patients prior to hospital admission for orthopaedic surgery, involving, attending home-visits in Cardiff & surrounding areas to undertake risk-assessments & measurements for minor adaptations, undertaking telephone interviews to assess mobility, function, transfers & level of independence, offering support & guidance on precautions; evaluating patients’ needs eg. adaptations & care support following surgery.Communication with external agencies eg. social services, equipment stores staff etc, 5 of 6

completion & distribution of complex reports to ward OTs prior to surgery, working on wards to assist OT colleagues during busy periods.

REGULATION & MEMBERSHIPS ● ● ● ● ●

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (Number BT0234569) Member of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Independent Practice Member of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for Children, Young People & Families World Federation of Occupational Therapists

PERSONAL PROFILE I am an experienced & committed Paediatric Occupational Therapist, with proficiency in sensory integration, postural management, hand therapy & handling, diverse & complex caseloads.I am creative, conscientious & a reliable person, who demonstrates integrity, compassion & good interpersonal skills​.​I pride myself in my proactive & versatile approach.I have a good sense of humour and a good team-player, with international experience, who enjoys multi-disciplinary working & has an appreciation of cultural diversity.I am highly motivated, resourceful, flexible, with the ability to work on my own initiative & under pressure.Outside of my working life, I have a variety of interests including a love of travel, humanitarian work.I also enjoy art work (particularly sketches & watercolours); current affairs;reading; swimming; yoga; body- surfing; Buddhism, film; reading and socialising with friends & colleagues.

REFEREES References are available on request.

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