Westcountry Case Management

Christian Bruce

BSc(Hons) OT

Career History

Christian qualified in 1996 from Brunel University, London. She has wide ranging experience in working with children and young people with various neurological, developmental, learning and specific learning conditions including acquired brain injuries, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, developmental coordination disorder, dyslexia and autistic spectrum disorders.

Working in social services gave Christian a good grounding in environmental adaptation and equipment provision. She gained valuable experience of working with children with multiple and complex disabilities in a joint NHS and specialist school, paying particular attention to their postural needs and potential for switch access. Whilst working in a rehabilitation centre for children with brain injury, Christian took a special interest in children in persistent vegetative state or locked-in syndrome. Leading a small rural NHS team provided opportunities to develop team management skills, enable/educate families to manage their children’s needs, as well as run groups and clinics. It was in this role that she worked in a multi-disciplinary team feeding clinic.

Current Work

In addition to working as a case manager for Westcountry Case Management, Christian also works independently as a children’s occupational therapist. This includes work for a charity which provides information and equipment assessments for children with disabilities and regular therapy for individual children in school environments.

Key Skills

• Experienced in working with children with complex long term disabilities.
• Experienced in equipment assessment and environmental adaptations for children with physical disabilities.
• Experienced in working with the families of children who have a complex long term disability.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills – essential when co-ordinating services and working with the family and relevant professionals.

Professional Affiliations & Additional Qualifications

• Health Professions Council (HPC)
• British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)
• The College of OT Specialist Section – Children, Young People and Families
• Sensory Integration Network, UK and Ireland