Our new Service Manager at Chislehurst, Jacqueline Henry-Carr, tells us where her passion for physiotherapy comes from, about her team, and her vision for the service.
Chislehurst Neurological Rehabilitation Centre is our new 15-bed neurological rehabilitation service for adults in south-east London. Chislehurst offer specialist post-acute rehabilitation, as well as management of long-term neurological conditions.
Can you tell us a bit about your career background and experience?
“I graduated in physiotherapy in 2006 and then I started working as a physiotherapist across different inpatient settings, such as respiratory and elderly care. I then worked in a stroke unit at Southlands Hospital and realised I really enjoyed neurology. It was a really good opportunity to see the different outcomes of stroke patients. I enjoyed assessing them, advising them, and being a part of their overall journey. I helped patients with the next steps in their rehabilitation and into the community.
“In 2012, I joined Active Care Group at Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, and I really enjoyed it. I worked there as a senior, a lead, and an interim head of therapies. Working at Blackheath gave me a great insight and understanding into all of the elements that support our patients at the centre, and in their journey of getting back home. I also made sure we were involving our patients in changes and improvements at the service.
“The opportunity then came up for a service manager role at Chislehurst Neurological Rehabilitation Centre.”
Where does your passion for physiotherapy come from?
“I went into physiotherapy because at secondary school I really enjoyed science, and I loved seeing the connection with science that was in everyday life, and within our bodies. I liked the idea of linking this to wellbeing and keeping yourself healthy. While I was at school, I also loved helping people too. So, when I started to look at career opportunities, physiotherapy was the job that stood out to me because it matched my likes and interests.”
As Chislehurst is a new service, what are you most looking forward to in your role?
“I would say it’s the opportunity to shape the service. We have a structure we need to follow in terms of inspections and registration, but I’m excited to use the skills from my previous roles, alongside my team, to implement co-production strategies by getting input from patients and having the opportunity to see what can work for us.
“When I was working as a physiotherapist, I had to balance my ideas with the needs of the service, so I like having the opportunity to put some of my ideas in place at Chislehurst.”
Can you give us an overview of the services that are provided at Chislehurst?
“We can provide rehab for long-term neurological conditions, as well as slow stream rehabilitation.
“We focus on improving our patients’ functional ability and their independence, in the areas they would like to work on. We have therapists and rehab assistants on site.”
What are the team like at Chislehurst?
“The team have been very resilient with getting used to a new service. They are all keen to learn new things. When something comes up they’re not aware of, they are able to communicate, reflect and make suggestions. The team being supportive is not only helpful for me, but also for each other. They are passionate about supporting our patients, and they’re very adaptable.”
What is your vision for the service and where would you like it to be in the next few years?
“As a new service, I want to fully establish the services we provide with our referrers in relation to the quality and standard of our patients. I want referrers to choose Chislehurst as the place their patients are admitted to.
“I would like to develop our staff through qualification opportunities.
“I want us to be a setting where staff want to work here, are happy to work here, and feel comfortable raising any issues or concerns.
“While we don’t yet have a rating with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), I’m working towards establishing a good rating for Chislehurst.
“I also have plans to implement co-production within the service.”
And finally, what do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like to spend time with my four-year-old son.
“I’ve also been doing pole fitness for a few years which I really enjoy. I like the strength that you gain without even realising it, and the satisfaction that comes with learning the moves.”
