hcml strengthens Management Team

15 October 2007

Following on from its re-brand this summer and as a direct response to growing expansion of its services, hcml is undertaking a major restructuring of its operations team – and strengthening with a number of new senior level roles.

The two new roles, Head of Clinical Services and Head of Operations, will be taken up by internal candidates who have both worked their way up from case management roles within hcml.

Nicole Thompson, an occupational therapist by profession, takes the role of Head of Clinical Services. She has significant experience in case managing clients with neurology and spinal cord injuries and extensive knowledge in occupational rehabilitation. In addition, Nicole also has specialist skills in ergonomics and health & safety.

In her new role, Nicole will be working closely with HCML’s CEO and Clinical Director Helen Merfield.

Nicole commented:

“I am delighted to be appointed to this new role.

“Moving forward I plan to work closely with our Medical Advisory Board* on clinical governance and evidence?based best practice to ensure we maintain the highest case management standards.”

Joining Nicole in hcml’s new operations team is the new Head of Operations, Kelwyn Yeo. With more than ten years rehabilitation, technical and vocational case management experience he was the ideal candidate for the job.

Kelwyn commented:

“My background is in Occupational Therapy with diverse experience in case management and developing new services. In my new role I am confident I can draw on that experience to ensure we continue to deliver the very best quality of service.”

In addition to the two new roles, Helen Ryan, hcml’s Regional Rehabilitation Manager in Manchester, will be taking on the day to day management of the firm’s office in Bristol as an extension of her current role. She said:

“I plan to use the same approach as has been successful in Manchester where we have helped develop new client relationships, improve communication and established a strong team of case managers.

“All the teams in each individual office have a collective responsibility and capability to drive forward the firm’s growth.”

The final post in hcml’s new operational team is a new Rehabilitation Manager based in the hcml Croydon office. Lynsey Shaw is an Occupational Therapist by background and has significant NHS and Community experience specialising in neuro and complex orthopaedic injuries.

Said Lynsey:

“hcml currently employees the highest number of rehabilitation case managers in the UK. Together with evidence based solutions, I’m looking forward to helping further our business with the help of a great group of Team Leaders.”

In August, marking its 4th anniversary, hcml launched its new brand identity to reinforce its position as a commercial organisation offering full service case management and employment solutions.

Commenting on the re-vamped operations team, Helen Merfield said:

“Nicole, Kelwyn, Helen and Lynsey are all long standing hcml talent and bring a wealth of case management, occupational therapy and rehabilitation experience to their new roles.

“To constantly improve on our services we need a wide range of people who have hands-on experience in case management which makes them all excellent candidates.

“Our primary mission is still to change lives for the better by being the UK leader in the delivery of rehabilitation services and the promotion of health and wellbeing in the workplace. I think we are now better equipped to ensure that than ever before."

hcml’s Marketing Director Gavin Davies added:

“It’s all change and full steam ahead with a new operations team to match our new brand identity.

“Moving forward we will continue to improve, expand and tailor our range of services for both our insurer, solicitor and corporate clients.”

* hcml’s Medical Advisory Board is headed up by Professor Mansel Aylward, the former Chief Medical Officer at Department for Work and Pensions and architect of the Government's Pathways to Work initiative.

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