Physiotherapist - Natasha Pickering

Cystic fibrosis specialist physiotherapist for the adult Blackpool cystic fibrosis service.

Previous Experience

Since qualifying in the early 90s, I worked at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, completing junior rotations across the inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy specialities. I then specialised in paediatric physiotherapy working at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Burnley General Hospital, evening work at Manchester Children’s Hospital and latterly Blackburn Hospital/East Lancashire Hospitals.

My roles have been predominantly inpatient and clinic based with a high percentage of my caseload being respiratory and musculoskeletal in nature. In 2014, a colleague and myself commenced a paediatric respiratory physiotherapy community service pilot project for children and families in East Lancashire. Due to positive outcomes, evidence of improved quality of life for service users and the diligence of all the staff involved, we were successful in obtaining recurrent funding. In 2015, I also took on the East Lancashire paediatric cystic fibrosis specialist physiotherapist post working within the paediatric cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary team.

I see this new role as an exciting opportunity to transfer my 20 plus years of working with children with cystic fibrosis and their families, to an adult population.

Qualifications

Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy – Wakefield and Pontefract College of Health Studies

Membership

Health and Care Professions Council – Membership Number PH45050

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy –  Membership Number 52033

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cystic Fibrosis – UK.

About me

I have been practising hatha and ashtanga yoga for 15 years. My favourite element is the relaxation/meditation. I am an avid reader but no kindle for me, it has to be paper, and I’m 'old school' and still access my local library! I am also a big foodie - I cook food from all over the world, however, I much prefer it when it is cooked for me.