COTA Case Management's Newsletter - December 2024
COTA Case Management
Client Centred Solutions Following Amputation and Complex Orthopaedic Trauma
A Year in Review — Looking Back at a Pivotal 12 Months for COTA Case Management
The past 12 months have been transformational for COTA Case Management . From growing our team of specialists to rebranding from LMC Case Management to COTA, we’ve seen a lot of positive growth over the course of 2024.
We started the year by welcoming Associate Case Managers, Sheena Reen and Kirsty Laird , to COTA Case Management. Coming from a healthcare and physiotherapy background, Sheena added a passion for client recovery and high-quality treatment. Working across northern England and Wales, she has been committed to facilitating the highest quality of rehabilitation for all her clients.
Kirsty specialises in complex trauma and works with individuals who have suffered limb loss. She has a comprehensive understanding of the latest advances in prosthetic rehabilitation for both upper and lower limb amputees. With this, she develops collaborative rehabilitation and support plans tailored to her client’s needs and goals. Adding two incredibly talented and dedicated case managers was a fantastic way to start the year; they’ve been fantastic with their clients since joining COTA.
During February, some of our colleagues, Lauren McCluskey , Laura Chacksfield , and Kirsty Laird , attend Cleveland Clinic s, Amputee Rehabilitation Services launch. As the only amputee specialist case management company in the UK, this was a fantastic evening to be invited to, and it was terrific to catch up with connections old and new about the importance of amputee rehabilitation.
March saw the incredibly exciting launch of our now successful, ‘Amputee Rehab Mentor Reviews’ service. This unique service evaluates and provides comprehensive reviews of case management interventions and recommended rehabilitation pathways for our clients.
Over the course of 2024, our managing director, Lauren McCluskey , travelled around the UK supporting clients with her expert witness work. With extensive experience, Lauren delivers detailed and independent analyses that help courts navigate complex issues, supporting fair and informed decision-making. Lauren is passionate about delivering the best for her clients, and providing her expert witness service is one of the ways in which she supports individuals.
During May, our latest addition, Jason Chidwick joined the team. As HCML , Amputee Clinical Lead, Jason has an incredible passion and knowledge when it comes to supporting individuals with all aspects of their case. Jason has been a fantastic addition to the team, and we’re incredibly proud of the growth from a colleague perspective that COTA has achieved this year.
June 2024 was a pivotal one for COTA. It began with our Managing Director, Lauren McCluskey, speaking at Dorset Orthopaedic Ottobock.care ’s ‘Real Word Rehabilitation’ 2024 conference in Birmingham. The panel, including Richard Biggs ( Irwin Mitchell ), Stephen Foster ( Kennedys ), and Morgana Everson ( 安盛 ), discussed the importance of working together for optimal outcomes.
A new look for COTA
At the end of June, COTA unveiled its new identity as we moved away from LMC Case Management. This was a crucial step in the mission to provide specialised rehabilitation services and underpins our passion for providing our clients with the highest quality service and standard of care.
"Our rebranding reflects our mission to empower injured individuals to achieve a better quality of life, maximise function, and regain control.”
Highlighting how we provide client-centred solutions, COTA stands for Complex Orthopaedic Trauma and Amputation. This has also amplified our commitment to facilitating rehabilitation for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. We are really proud of COTA and its new look, as we feel it truly reflects our passion for ensuring clients receive holistic support at every stage of their recovery process.
With our new look, Lauren attended a wide range of networking events to discuss a wide range of topics that concern case managers and the sector as a whole. These events included attending two different cricket events, including a test match between England and Sri Lanka with Richard Edwards from Hugh James .
Lauren also spoke at the STEPS Rehabilitation Ltd & STEPS Prosthetics Amputee Conference in York where she took part in a panel discussion with our client Ruby to discuss her recovery journey and the various aspects of her tailored rehabilitation plan.
Lauren also attended RAF Cosford with industry experts to learn more about the Ottobock Genium X4’s technical features and how it enhances user experience for our clients. As well as this, she attended CMSUK ’s annual awards and WonderLAN ball with Chris Smith from Stewarts .
In September, we had the pleasure of taking part in our first case study about the truly incredible story of our client, Ruby. Located in the Wirral, Ruby's recovery and rehabilitation story is remarkable. Driven by her determination to be a mother to her young son Leon, she has made extraordinary progress over the past two years. We joined Scala UK Ltd , Steven Docker Associates , STEPS Prosthetics , and STEPS Rehabilitation Ltd to help tell her inspiring story.?
As we reflect on 2024, it’s been a year of growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence at COTA Case Management. From welcoming new team members to launching new services and rebranding, every step has strengthened our ability to deliver client-centred solutions.
We are incredibly proud of the progress made as specialists in amputee rehabilitation and case management. As we look towards 2025, our passion for delivering the highest quality service for our clients will remain the same. We can’t wait to see what the next 12 months hold for COTA and case management as a whole.
Our Experienced Case Manager Jason Chidwick Currently Has Capacity for New Clients
One of our experienced amputee case managers, Jason Chidwick , currently has some capacity. As an amputee specialist, Jason is passionate about supporting clients and their loved ones through all aspects of their case.
Having originally starting his career in sports therapy with football league clubs, Walsall and Grimsby Town, Jason transitioned into case management nine years ago to further develop his knowledge and experience. Since then, Jason has gone from strength to strength and has a passion to not only support people with a limb difference and limb loss but also to continually develop his expertise.
Jason is now HCML Rehabilitation Solutions, Amputee Clinical Lead, and joined us as an Associate Case Manager in a freelance role in May this year. As we are the only amputee-specific case management firm in the UK, Jason has been able to not only work in an area he’s truly passionate about, but he has also been able to share and gain knowledge with colleagues.
As part of his role with COTA Case Management , Jason provides comprehensive rehabilitation reports and case management to catastrophically injured clients. This involves facilitating the individual’s rehabilitation journey, ensuring the client has a clinically appropriate package of care and rehabilitation to work towards their short- and long-term goals.
With his comprehensive understanding of recovery and rehabilitation, Jason has a thorough understanding of everything that is required during an individual's case management journey. With a passion for meeting the clients’ goals, Jason tailors plans to ensure these can be met to the best of their ability.
Jason’s current caseload is located throughout the midlands and the north. However, he is happy to cover cases across the UK upon request.
The Vital Role of Case Managers in Supporting Amputees Through Revision Surgery and Rehabilitation
Case managers play a critical role in supporting amputees facing prolonged NHS waiting times for revision surgeries by providing tailored care plans that address physical, emotional, and practical needs. Their efforts, including prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and securing private care when needed, empower individuals to maintain well-being, regain independence, and strengthen legal claims in personal injury cases.
For many amputees, the journey doesn’t end with the initial amputation. Revision surgeries are often required to address complications such as persistent pain, anatomical abnormalities, neuromas, or infections. These procedures are critical for optimising prosthetic fit, restoring mobility, and improving overall quality of life.
However, NHS waiting times for revision surgeries can stretch beyond two years, leaving amputees to endure prolonged physical and emotional challenges. During these difficult periods, case managers play a vital role in bridging gaps in care and ensuring that individuals remain supported throughout their recovery journey.
Case Managers
Amputee case management focuses on more than just coordinating medical appointments. Case managers provide tailored care plans that address physical, emotional, and practical needs, helping clients navigate the uncertainty of extended waiting times. From managing symptoms to preparing for surgery and rehabilitation, their involvement empowers amputees to maintain their wellbeing and regain independence.
Personalised Care During Extended Waiting Periods
Prolonged waits for revision surgery can be physically draining and emotionally taxing. Case managers provide a lifeline by developing bespoke care plans to maintain clients’ health and resilience. These plans often include:
Education is another cornerstone of their role. By helping clients understand the surgical process, set realistic recovery goals, and prepare their home environment, case managers empower individuals to approach surgery with confidence and clarity.
Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation: The Cornerstones of Recovery
Once a surgery date is confirmed, prehabilitation, or “prehab”, plays a key role in optimising outcomes. Case managers coordinate targeted physiotherapy, psychological preparation, and consultations with prosthetists to ensure individuals are well-prepared. Post-surgery, they oversee rehabilitation efforts, including prosthetic training, physiotherapy, and emotional support, enabling a smoother transition back to independence.
Collaborative Solutions for Timely Care
While NHS waiting times present significant challenges, case managers offer innovative solutions to ensure clients receive timely intervention. For personal injury lawyers, the ability of case managers to secure private surgical care, coordinate rehabilitation, and provide detailed impact assessments can be pivotal in achieving positive outcomes for clients. These proactive strategies minimise delays and ensure that clients regain independence more quickly, strengthening the foundation of their legal claims.
Transforming Lives Through Tailored Support
Case managers are critical partners for personal injury lawyers, rehabilitation providers, and medical teams. They offer comprehensive support that goes beyond coordination, empowering clients to rebuild their lives while providing vital evidence for compensation claims.
As waiting times for essential surgeries continue to challenge the system, the expertise and dedication of case managers, such as those at COTA Case Management, are more crucial than ever, not only for enhancing client recovery but also for supporting legal professionals in advocating effectively for their clients.
For more information on how case management can support amputees through revision surgery and beyond, then get in touch.