Partners Jane Weakley and Anna Bond spoke at a well-attended case management day this week about collaborative working practices to achieve the best outcome for clients and, specifically, the role of the professional deputy and the solicitor in cases involving severe disability.
The 55 case managers and treating therapists who attended the day organised by Fieldfisher heard from case manager Amanda Bairstow who defined case management as 'a collaborative process, which assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the options and services required to meet an individual’s health and wellbeing, education and/or occupational needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost effective and safe outcomes'.
She spoke about the breadth of knowledge and understanding needed to run cases successfully and the need to 'know all, see all, tell nothing and be everywhere at the same time'. Perhaps most importantly, she highlighted the vital circle of support to build around each client.
Occupational therapist Rachel Jenkins spoke about the importance of having realistic goals in place and clearly communicating different treatment options and Michael Davies, Educational Psychologist and Neuropsychologist spoke about the problems faced by children with special needs and how best to challenge. Attendees also heard from Adaptation Design Ltd (ADL) on the process and people involved in providing suitably adapted accommodation, from instructing solicitor, the client's family, occupational therapist, case manager, accommodation expert, to local authorities, contractors and suppliers.
Samantha Buck offered personal insight into the multi-disciplinary approach in caring for her son Alfie Buck. Alfie, who is affected by cerebral palsy, was deprived of oxygen at birth. Jane Weakley acted for Alfie in his successful claim for medical negligence.
Following settlement of his claim, Alfie now lives in adapted accommodation and regularly enjoys activities such as adapted cycling and rock climbing as part of his life-long therapies to ensure he lives his life to its full potential.
Jane Weakley, who coordinated the event, said: 'caring for seriously injured children and adults requires a circle of support that is wide ranging and multi-disciplinary. Bringing speakers and attendees together, all with the common goal of achieving the best outcome for their clients, gave us a valuable opportunity to share experiences and learn best practice.'