Our Team

Andrea Vane

Brain Injury Case Manager

Specialism

Adults with Acquired Brain Injury

Geographical Area

• Kent
• Sussex
• London

 

Career History

I have worked with adults, their families and carers in community and inpatient settings since qualifying as a speech and language therapist (SLT) in 2018. As an SLT I was responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of acquired swallowing and communication disorders as part of a wider multidisciplinary healthcare team.  I have worked with adults with a range of conditions, including acquired brain injury, as well as progressive neurological disorders, such as, dementia, MND, MS and Parkinson’s Disease.  Since progressing into the field of brain injury case management, I have developed my knowledge of brain injury and increased my skillset further to be able to support the holistic needs of my clients and their families.

Prior to training as an SLT, I had a varied 15-year career in administration working for organisations within both the public and private sectors, including social services, legal and private banking. I developed a broad range of skills in research, planning and organisation as well as learning to navigate the systems and processes of large organisations.  During a career break to have my two children, I volunteered for the Stroke Association, where I supported people with acquired brain injuries to re-gain confidence with their communication skills, this role inspired me to study and retrain as a speech and language therapist, which enabled me to fulfil my passion of supporting people with communication difficulties. 
 

Current Work

I am passionate about advocacy work and have a keen interest in supporting those clients with communication impairments and those who lack capacity, to ensure their needs are met and their voices are heard.

I have a holistic and empathetic, client-centred approach and I am passionate about working in partnership with people and empowering individuals to reach their potential within the context of their disability.  

I am skilled in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of client-centred goals which contribute to a holistic based package of care for the individual.

I build a positive rapport with clients, families, and support workers, including in challenging circumstances, and have experience of working with support workers and care teams, to provide appropriate training when required.

I have experience in supporting the transfer of complex-needs clients from hospital to community settings and supporting the ongoing needs of the client and their family.

I keep the Head First team up to date with the latest news I receive from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
 

Competencies and Key Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt communication styles.
• The ability to work independently and as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• The ability to work closely with clients to identify their needs and to support them in achieving their goals.
• Use of a goal orientated approach to intervention.
• An analytic, logical and determined approach to problem solving.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Excellent clinical and report writing skills.
• Proven ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to build positive relationships and maintain excellent communication with all parties.
• Highly organised, with the ability to maintain an accurate overview of all factors affecting the clinical picture.
• Skilled in networking, negotiating, building collaborative relationships and problem solving.
• Dedicated to the values of Speech and Language Therapy and Brain Injury Case Management, operating according to current evidence and best practice, guided by the professional standards of both the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management (BABICM).

 

Professional Affiliations and Additional Qualifications

Professional Affiliations

• Certified Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• BABICM Registered Practitioner member

 

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Science with Health Studies
• PGDip Speech and Language Therapy