After recently celebrating its first anniversary, Keystone Case Management is now targeting ongoing growth and expansion. Here, we speak with Susanna Robinson, quality manager of the expert witness service, to learn more about her background, her role with the case management business and its current recruitment drive
On November 25 2022, Keystone Case Management celebrated one year since its launch. What have been the highlights for you of the past year?
Without doubt it is working with the friendly, skilled and highly effective Keystone Case Management (KCM) team. Growing the team with the recruitment of some amazing case managers has been so rewarding. Together we represent a depth and range of experience which enriches us all.
For me, the focus on the delivery of a quality service is very important but at the same time keeping the client at the heart of what we do. The team does that very well.
Also, it has been a unique experience to help start KCM within the Frenkel Topping Group, which operates within the financial services sector. This has been a distinctive development for both parties and been a rare opportunity to build mutual understanding of our perspectives and contribution to the clients we serve.
What is your professional background and experience?
I’m an occupational therapist (OT) and qualified a long time ago! Early on in my career, I was a researcher and the enquiry skills that I developed then have always stayed with me. I was lucky enough to help introduce a cross cultural assessment for OTs which helps them to measure someone’s ability to carry out activities of daily living, for example, getting washed and dressed, or making snacks. These appear to be simple tasks until you cannot manage them – they involve a huge range of skill.
The OT can evaluate the skills which are more difficult and target their treatment to the client. It is very rewarding to see someone who has had an injury or illness regain their independence in tasks that we take for granted. The assessment is now used worldwide and is integrated into occupational therapy practice.
I have also been involved in starting and building companies which offer services to OTs and other healthcare professionals. For several years I ran a training company which provided skills-based courses to many services in the NHS. There is a unique transference of skills and knowledge when less experienced clinicians get hands-on teaching from experts in a specific area. I remain convinced that this cannot happen with virtual training.
What does your role at KCM involve?
I have worked as an expert witness for several years. This means that I assess clients who have had an injury or accident and evaluate how the event has impacted on all areas of their life. I consider their past, present and future needs as a result of what has happened to them, cost these and submit a report to the Court.
My role at KCM is to oversee this aspect of our work and to monitor the quality aspects. I am also involved in recruitment and making sure that my colleagues are supported in their roles.
What are the plans for the next year?
We are growing KCM and would welcome new case managers and expert witnesses. For an experienced clinician who is perhaps looking for a change of direction, either role or a combination of both, is a perfect way to use and showcase their skills. Most importantly, they can make a significant change to someone’s life outside of what the statutory services are constrained to offer.
So in the next year I am delighted to focus on welcoming new colleagues and see them grow and develop professionally!
What do you do outside of work to relax?
I don’t, life is too short! I work to develop better conditions for people with a disability in Romania where they have very few resources. I make sure that aids and equipment, such as wheelchairs, that are destined for landfill in the UK are transported to an equipment loan scheme near Braşov and are recycled. Its busy but fun. I also have a large family to manage!
For more information about Keystone Case Management, visit here
KCM is currently recruiting for case managers and expert witnesses – for more information and to apply, click on the links
