Expert interviewees

The Disabilities Trust has a range of experts able to speak authoritatively on issues relating to health and social care.

To arrange an interview please contact Sarah Clifford, Head of Communications on 01444 237734/07764261734 or email sarah.clifford@thedtgroup.org

Press enquiries. Contact Sarah Clifford, Helen Tridgell, Sally Rogers or Zoey Daw on 01444 239123. Out of office hours call 07764261734.

	Barrie Oldham, Chief Executive Officer Areas of expertise: services for people with complex disabilities including head injury and challenging behaviour; legislation and regulation issues. "I joined the Trust 15 years ago, after extensive experience in health and social care, to manage one of the first post-acute brain injury services in the country. This provision has been developed to become the largest post-acute rehabilitation service in the UK. I have experience of working with teams providing support for people with complex needs across the UK. I am also involved with all aspects of legislation and regulation that impact on our services and am a member of the NHS Confederation/Independent Healthcare Advisory Group for Regulators."
	Professor Mike Oddy, Director of Clinical Services Areas of expertise: brain injury rehabilitation; rehabilitation; the application of smart technology; and non-cognitive changes following brain injury. "I am a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years experience of working in brain injury rehabilitation. I was Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist to West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust from 1984 to 2007. I was Honorary Professor at the University of Swansea and was External Examiner for the Institute of Psychiatry post-qualification course in clinical neuropsychology from 2002-2005. From 1996 to 1999 I was the Chair of the British Psychological Society, Division of Neuropsychology. Currently Organiser of the Division of Neuropsychology Post-Qualification Training Programme."
	Mike McPeake, Development and Infrastructure Manager Areas of expertise: brain injury, mental health, partnership working, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Mike is also the northern regional contact. "I have worked in Health and Social care settings for over 30 years primarily within the fields of mental health and acquired brain injury. My background within both the independent and statutory sectors gives me a useful perspective on partnership working and the opportunities that this creates in terms of innovative working practices."
	Julia Morley, Head of Community and Physical Disability Services Areas of expertise: community services and physical disability.
	Bob Merriman, Care Standards Manager Areas of expertise: services for people with a disability; rehabilitation following an injury; cognitive therapy; behavioural interventions following a brain injury; protection of vulnerable adults; and staff development. "I have worked in the field of health and social care for 33 years in both the independant and statutory sectors. I initially trained as a mental health nurse and have worked clinically in all areas before moving into management. My currrent areas of interest are: developing service user led physical disability services and staff development."

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