B.App.Sc (OT) - Occupational Therapy
Graduated from Cumberland College 1980. Employed at Westmead Hospital, Bathurst Rehabilitation centre thence Private Practice from 1985. Professional experience has continuously focused on work related injury and resettlement at the work place. The Westmead Work Assessment unit was established in 1980 where guidelines for work visiting and functional assessment criteria were initially researched and established by Fiona. Clients in this unit involve various medical management issues and were mostly referred whilst an inpatient for: back injury, head injury, burns, amputation, stroke, brachial plexus injuries, hand injury for example. Experience at Bathurst followed on where there was an emphasis on the Centre establishing close links with local manufacturers (Uncle Bens, Edgells, Clyde Industries, Timber Industries and other employer groups.) This was during the early 80's when RSI was a major problem and new Occupational Health and Safety Legislation was introduced to workplaces.
Residence in the Hunter Valley has developed further experience in workplace based rehabilitation management, vocational rehabilitation, retraining and work resettlement.
Membership of the Ergonomic Society of Australia has facilitated further practice of the science of fitting the task to the worker - both physically and psychologically. This has significant impact on wellbeing in the workplace as well as achieving greater economic productivity.
Other skills developed through corporate request have included strain management programmes, employee education and ergonomic design. Fiona has an established network with other clinicians in the area - local doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, equipment suppliers, training agencies and job placement services. Ongoing work has developed a sound practical knowledge in the textile industry, local government, coal handling, road and transport and health care sectors.
Professional Expertise:
- Rehabilitation Management,
- workplace ergonomics,
- cumulative trauma and strain management and prevention,
- backcare education,
- pain management/tens therapy and redeployment counselling,
- home assessment,
- medico-legal assessment.
Hunter Health at Work - e-mail: admin@healthatwork.com.au