Heather Patton

Experience

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  Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

  Jan 2000 - Dec 2001

  Junior Occupational Therapist

  Clinical practice in a public hospital, in the fields of adult neurology, rheumatology, paediatric burns and other paediatric pathology Supervision of occupational therapy assistants and undergraduate occupational therapy studentsCoordination of the Baragwaneth occupational therapy student training program

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  Momentum

  Mar 2002 - Dec 2005

  Disability Claims Consultant

  The assessment and management of disability claims including the management of any return to work programs on behalf of the insurer

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  InOvation

  Jan 2006 - Mar 2007

  IT Project Coordinator

  Project management administration, coordination and junior project managementMapping and documenting business processes for the development of IT solutionsTest Analyst functions: Development of test cases and scripts for customized software development solutions.Researching CRM software for clients and providing relevant recommendations and demonstrations.

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  Own Private Practice

  Apr 2007 - Nov 2013

  Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist

  Performing work/functional capacity evaluations & compiling reportsPerforming work site visits/job analysesDesigning, documenting, implementing and case managing vocational rehabilitation and return to work programsAdvising employers on disability management matters, or relating to injured or disabled workers in the workplace Supervising clinical and admin staff

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  Discovery Limited

  Nov 2007 - May 2009

  Disability Consultant (independent contractor - part time)

  To consult to the Life insurance business on best practice in the assessment and management of group disability claims with advice about return to work strategies for ongoing claims.To serve as an occupational therapy expert to Discovery Life’s group disability claims committee.

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  Remedy Room CC (Own Company)

  Jul 2010 - Oct 2017

  Continued Professional Development Service Provider

  Provision of an allied health professional’s interest group called “Workipedia” for those with a keen interest in work assessment and rehabilitation. Provision of evidence based workshops country wide, with regards to vocational rehabilitation and return to work.

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  Fedgroup

  Jul 2012 - Jun 2021

  Disability Consultant (independent contractor - part time)

  Consultant on best practice in the assessment and management of disability claims with advice about return to work strategies for ongoing claims where appropriate. Chairperson and occupational therapy expert for Fedgroup’s disability claims committee, accountable to the Board of DirectorsConsult, design and implement best practice methodologies/processes in the assessment and management of disability claims. This included managing change, and conducting training and mentorship and guiding the implementation of these processes with staff. Show less

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  Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Clinics

  Nov 2018 - Jun 2019

  Senior Occupational Therapist

  • The delivery of rehabilitation programs on behalf of ACC, for those experiencing musculoskeletal injuries – both Stay at Work and Back to Work programs.

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  Playwise Limited - www.playwise.co.nz

  Oct 2021 - now

  Entrepreneur

  The creation, management and day-to-day running of a kids activity box company that offers toys and activities that are Screen-Free, Parent-Free and fun for primary school children aged 5-11.

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  Stroke Foundation of New Zealand

  Feb 2023 - Oct 2024

  Return to Work Advisor

  • Managing the return to work of 25- 43+ stroke survivors in a 25 hour week• Involves the assessment, planning and coordination of their return to work.• Involves engagement with key stakeholders like the employer, whanau, GP & rehab team and referral to third parties and managing their expectations• Involves keeping the IT system up to date with notes, project plans and reports• Networking and establishing strategic partnerships with other organisations that offer stroke rehabilitation and work with them to achieve optimal outcomes for stroke clients.• Weekly professional learning in Te Ao Maori and how to practically honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Show less