Rebecca Smith

Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist, Paediatric Physiotherapy 

Chelsea Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Biography: Rebecca works as a Paediatric Physiotherapist, treating children from 0-15 for a range of conditions both within the outpatient department and on the wards. This includes rehabilitation post injury or surgery. Rebecca has a particular interest in working with babies and toddlers alongside their families with conditions such as torticollis and positional talipes, and working towards progressing their motor development.

Horizon Fellowship project summary: Working alongside the Mother and Baby app used in maternity services, Rebecca would like to expand the app for use within a paediatric physiotherapy setting. This will include providing information for parents on developmental milestones, “normal variance”, and advice on when to seek physiotherapy intervention.

Estimated number of patients / staff impacted by the project: Rebecca hopes use of the app will provide parental education and reassurance, ultimately leading to a reduction in “inappropriate” referrals.

Goal(s) for time on the Horizon Fellowship programme: Rebecca aims to develop skills and knowledge on digital service improvement and service development as a whole. Additionally, she aims to create an app for parent use, which provides access to information and resources on their child’s physical development.