Expert Witness Profile
Jane Van Der Merwe

Central Scotland

Areas Covered: UK

Paediatrics

Neurological

Brain Injuries (Traumatic and Acquired)

Spinal Cord Injury

Amputation

Complex Trauma

Specialist Equipment Provision

Complex Home Adaptations

Manual Handling

  • AMA Impairment Guides (2014)
  • Certificate in Medicine and Law (2009) (all SA health related legislation) Unisa/University of Pretoria
  • Diploma in Personnel Management Institute of Administration and Commerce, South Africa (1999)
  • Diploma in Industrial Relations Institute of Administration and Commerce, South Africa (1998)
  • Masters in Business Administration (1993)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (1990)
  • Diploma in Occupational Therapy (1980)
  • Health Care Professions Council
  • Royal College of Occupational Therapists
  • Health Professions Council of South Africa
  • Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA)
  • 14 years’ experience as an Independent Occupational Therapist at Regent Medical Centre in Durban, South Africa. Here she specialised in orthopaedic, medical and neurological condition assessment and therapy for adults and children.
  • 10 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist at Life Healthcare in South Africa where she managed the assessment and rehabilitation of adults with a variety of conditions following hospital discharge, including fracture, stroke and traumatic brain injury while also holding various hospital management positions.
  • Experience as a Neuro Rehabilitation Project Manager at Life Entabeni Hospital.
  • Plus, a further 20 years’ experience as an occupational therapist in the UK working across various roles, including within the NHS and private healthcare sector.

Jane is a dedicated and highly skilled Occupational Therapist with 40 years of broad experience including management spanning a variety of settings. Specialising in paediatric neurology, with a focus on cerebral palsy; Jane has also worked with adults who have sustained head, spinal and orthopaedic
injuries. During her established career, within the UK and South Africa, Jane has also managed patients who have sustained, upper/lower limb fractures and amputations. She has extensive knowledge in recommendations for the provision of care, services, aids and equipment.

  • Beaton J.S. “Marketing Handbook for Occupational Therapists” BAOT (1995)
  • Van der Merwe, J – “How Total Quality Management Ensures Excellence in Occupational Healthcare” Occupational Health Journal SA January/February (1998)
  • Van der Merwe, J; Cochrane,J – “Ergonomics within an Occupational Health Programme” Occupational Health Journal SA, February/March (2000)