Our Knowledge Hub Experts

Jessica Thurston

Jessica Thurston is an experienced Occupational Therapist with a specialisation in upper and lower limb amputee management, care of the elderly, trauma, orthopaedics, and general surgery. She has extensive experience working with poly trauma and prosthetic rehabilitation, particularly in individuals with limb loss due to meningococcal septicaemia.

Since joining Somek and Associates in 2002, Jessica has written numerous medico-legal reports for claimant, defendant, and joint instructions. She has given oral evidence in court and is highly recommended by legal professionals. In addition to her expert work, she manages medico-legal operations at Somek and Associates and continues her clinical practice with PACE Rehabilitation.

Jessica is a Full Member of the Expert Witness Institute (MEWI) and is fully trained in the medico-legal process.

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with extensive experience in urgent, acute, and pre-hospital care. She holds MSc degrees in Advanced Clinical Practice and Psychology and has expertise in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across multiple clinical settings, including urgent care and emergency departments.

Rebecca also works as a Consultant ACP, providing clinical and strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams. She runs a medical consultancy business and works in various locum positions, including urgent treatment centres and medical repatriation.

She accepts instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers and is trained in the medico-legal process.

Ruth Adamek

Ruth Adamek is a registered Paramedic with experience in clinical validation and frontline ambulance work. She has a BSc (Hons) in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and specialises in clinical telephone triage, patient pathway assessment, and ambulance dispatch procedures.

Ruth also provides clinical support to frontline crews and works on the 111 service as a clinical advisor. She is well-versed in Advanced Life Support, Major Trauma, Emergency Medicine, and paediatric care.

Ruth accepts instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers and has formal training in the medico-legal process, with full awareness of her responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules.

Deborah Lopez

Deborah Lopez is a registered Paramedic with extensive frontline experience in emergency ambulances and rapid response vehicles. Since qualifying in 2015, she has specialised in pre-hospital care, managing a wide range of medical, trauma, maternity, and mental health emergencies in both adults and children.

She currently works as a clinical advisor and investigator of safety incidents at MNSI, while continuing to practise as a bank paramedic. Deborah is also a registrant panel member and international assessor for the HCPC.

She accepts instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers and has completed formal medico-legal training, with full understanding of her responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules.

Christopher Willetts

Christopher Willetts is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with extensive experience in emergency medical services and primary care. Formerly a frontline paramedic, he now works in a GP surgery, where he manages a broad range of clinical presentations.

He is highly skilled in patient assessment, trauma care, ECG interpretation, and non-medical prescribing. Christopher accepts instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers and has completed formal medico-legal training. He fully understands his duties under the Civil Procedure Rules.

Qualifications: IHCD Emergency Medical Technician, DipHE Paramedic Science, BSc (Hons) Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Non-Medical Prescribing

Joanne McCusker

Joanne McCusker is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience specialising in paediatrics. She has extensive expertise in working with children and young people with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, Erb’s Palsy, and other complex neurological and developmental conditions. Joanne runs a successful private practice, providing assessment, treatment, equipment recommendations, and training for children with a wide range of physical disabilities. She also has a strong background in education and has worked in both mainstream and specialist school settings across the North West. Joanne regularly accepts medico-legal instructions from both Claimant and Defendant solicitors and insurers, and is fully trained in the responsibilities of expert witnesses under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

Kim Ryder

Kim Ryder is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in lower limb amputee rehabilitation in both adults and children. She was previously the clinical lead for amputee rehab at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals and now works as a rehabilitation case manager for HCML, supporting patients through the litigation process. Kim also has a strong background in orthopaedics and provides expert witness reports for both Claimant and Defendant cases.

Pamela Bagot

Pam Bagot is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, specialising in neurological rehabilitation, including brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury. She has worked across the UK and New Zealand in both acute and community settings, holding senior roles in NHS neuro and stroke services. Pam currently runs her own independent physiotherapy practice, providing specialist assessment and rehabilitation for clients with complex neurological conditions. She is also an experienced educator and trainer, delivering workshops and lectures nationwide. Pam accepts medico-legal instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors.

Joanne Gorman

Joanne Gorman is a Registered Midwife with a wealth of experience in hospital-based care, specialising in high-risk antenatal and postnatal care, CTG monitoring, and obstetric theatre procedures. Since qualifying in 2008, she has worked on labour, ante, and postnatal wards, providing comprehensive care to women with complex pregnancies. Joanne is skilled in labour support, epidural management, and instrumental deliveries, and has extensive experience in perineal suturing and venous procedures. She has also worked as a Safety Lead Midwife, supporting safety initiatives and delivering evidence-based training. Joanne has medico-legal expertise and accepts instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors.

Michelle Caton-Richards

Michelle Caton-Richards is a Registered Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, primarily in accident and emergency and urgent care settings. She is a qualified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber with a Master’s in Advanced Healthcare Practice. Michelle has worked across a wide range of clinical environments and is currently Deputy Lead for Quality Assurance and Training (Liability) at Somek and Associates. Alongside her expert witness work, she continues to practise clinically as a locum ANP, with a strong passion for teaching, training, and maintaining excellence in urgent care.