At Thompsons Solicitors, we do more than just legal representation. We connect you with a network of support services, including medical professionals and rehabilitation experts, to assist in your recovery journey. Our collaboration with leading charities and support groups ensures access to the best care and resources.
Meet the experts:
Liz Haunch, co-founder of Bridge Case Management
Bridge Case Management was set up 14 years ago by sisters Liz Haunch and Sue Ford to support the rehabilitation of clients who have suffered severe or complex orthopaedic trauma, including amputations, because of road traffic crashes, medical negligence and work-related incidents.
Working with Thompsons Solicitors their team of case managers – which includes experienced nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists – use their knowledge of healthcare, treatment options and the rehabilitation process to put a plan in place that will help clients to rebuild their lives after an injury.
We recently met with Bridge Case Management co-founder Liz Haunch to talk more about the work that they do.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about what you do, and the sort of clients you work with?
A: “Most of our clients have suffered severe orthopaedic trauma resulting in an amputation, however the nature of their injuries and their own personal circumstances differ greatly.
“Our Case Managers are there to provide clear and concise information about what support is available to them and help them to make informed choices about their recovery.
“In order to do that, we need to understand who they are and what matters to them – what are their hobbies, what do they do for work, who are their loved ones and what are their hopes for the future?
“From there we can start to put a rehabilitation plan in place which takes into consideration their medical, psychological, social and employment needs.”
Q: What sort of rehabilitation do you help clients access?
A: “Typically, the priority is accessing physical and psychological therapies that can help them rebuild their strength and resilience and overcome the challenges that they have experienced. This can be done in a range of settings including a private clinic, at a local hospital or at a client’s home.
“We also arrange for our amputee clients to receive advice regarding prosthetics from a private provider.”
Q: What other services do you help coordinate?
A: “Wherever possible we want to help our clients back to their pre-accident lifestyle, whatever that may be. We therefore look to coordinate anything which can help them achieve that goal - from finding specialist personal trainers, occupational therapists and careers advisors, through to local dog walkers and private taxi companies.
“For most clients we also look at their living environment and can bring in someone who can advise on modifications and adaptations. Where necessary, we support them with finding a new property.”
Q: “What advice would you give to anyone at the start of their rehabilitation journey?
“Firstly, I would advise anyone who has suffered a severe or complex orthopaedic trauma resulting in an amputation to get legal advice as quickly as possible.
“Early access to rehabilitation is particularly important in these cases, and once we are on board we can help you access all the wider care and support that you might need.
“Secondly, I would say that while the journey is likely to be very hard, with the right people around you, you can do it, and it will be worth it in the long run.”