Melissa Carter

Clinical:

• Delivering comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and treatments for complex patients (frailty, cognitive issues, mobility, mental illness).
• Building strong relationships with patients, families, and carers, offering advice throughout the care pathway.
• Strong communicator and advocate for person-centred approaches and healthy ageing.
• Communicating effectively with the multidisciplinary team to support coordinated care and complex decision-making.

Education:

• Collaborating with educational institutions to teach and supervise students (undergraduate to postgraduate levels).
• Providing clinical training and assessment of staff competence within the multidisciplinary team.

Managerial:

• Providing effective leadership in managing clinical teams, supporting professional development, and promoting staff wellbeing.
• Leading the development of integrated working practices and care pathways.

Research & Service Development:

• Actively involved in service development and research, leading initiatives such as rehabilitation improvement, mobility competency frameworks, and professional presentations aligned with Trust and national priorities.

Clinical:

• Managed a caseload of outpatients with conditions such as falls and bone health issues, stroke, and Parkinson's Disease.

Education:

• Provided clinical supervision to undergraduate/postgraduate physiotherapy/OT/Nursing students.

Management:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including occupational therapists, nurses, rehab support workers, and admin staff.
• Managed a multidisciplinary outpatient service including development of Standard Operating Procedures, waiting list management, management of departmental budgets, development of strategic plans aligned with unit goals and priorities.
• Fostered an inclusive team culture that promoted open communication and mutual respect. Managing a multidisciplinary team and service through Covid.

Research and Service development:

• Ensured development of the service through evidence based practice and adherence to national guidance e.g best practice tariff for patients with Parkinson's disease, development of a Band 4 Falls practitioner role, Magnet accreditation.

• I gained experience working on a Geriatric Medicine re-ablement ward for three months, as Ward Manager.
• Management of an in-patient ward situation, nursing processes, safety processes, and a larger more complex and diverse team.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team through active encouragement and support.
• Following this 3 month period have had the opportunity to provide support and mentorship to new ward manager.

Practised as a physiotherapist, building a comprehensive background in multiple specialties, concentrating on neurology and elderly care.