Case Study - Orthopaedic injury

Background

36 year old male. RTA in July 2005. Suffered severe fracture to the left femur and injury to the right hand involving a broken right thumb and fingers. Prior to accident had worked as a manual stores person. No academic achievements and poor literacy.

Challenges

• Limited mobility and living in a rural area. Had just undergone further surgery for metalwork removal
• Medical opinion advises against return to manual work or jobs requiring good manual dexterity
• Claimant wants to get back to work as soon as possible as family are reliant on his income. They are expecting their first child and wife has stopped working.

Rehab Solutions’ involvement

• Liaison with treating orthopaedic surgeon to check post-operative recovery and benefits of active therapy
• Coordinated private physiotherapy assessment and treatment to help restore function and muscle strength in left leg and assist general mobility levels
• Arranged local taxi service on account to assist travel to medical appointments
• Arranged funding and supply of exercise bike for use at home
• Vocational rehabilitation case manager explored work skills, alternative employment and retraining options. Claimant wanted to return to stores/warehouse environment. Interested in forklift/HIAB (lorry mounted crane) driving.
• Vocational rehabilitation case manager arranged claimant’s attendance on forklift (reach and counterbalance) and HIAB training courses at a local Industrial training centre.
• Liaison with local DEA and Job Broker service to help secure suitable work placement following retraining.
• Vocational rehabilitation case manager provided practical job search support following training to help transition into full-time work
• Weekly telephone contact with claimant to follow up rehab progress and offer encouragement and support as necessary

Results

Following 4 months of physical therapy, the claimant’s mobility had improved to a stage where he was able to engage in training courses over a two-week period. Despite ongoing physical restrictions, limited work choices and poor literacy, he was able to gain new skills which would enhance his future earnings and job prospects. He is now actively job seeking with the help of Jobcentre Plus services and is hopeful to be back in paid employment in the next couple of months.