“My years in palliative care taught me that quality of life matters at every stage. Whether someone is recovering from surgery or managing a life-limiting condition, there’s always something we can do to help them feel better and do more.”
Catherine is one of the most experienced and versatile physiotherapists on the Medella team, with over 20 years of experience across NHS, hospice, and private settings. She covers the Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown, and Wimborne areas, bringing particular expertise in palliative care and respiratory conditions.
Early Career
Catherine graduated from Brunel University in 2004 and began her career in London, covering elderly care, respiratory, musculoskeletal outpatients, paediatrics, orthopaedics, community rehabilitation, and neurology. She later moved to Poole Hospital, undertaking senior rotations in elderly care, respiratory, trauma orthopaedics, and oncology.
Palliative Care Expertise
In 2009, Catherine joined the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, where she worked for 11 years. She specialised in oncology, palliative care, and complex neurological conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Working across the inpatient unit, day centre, and community settings, she developed deep expertise in managing lymphoedema, fatigue, breathlessness, and anxiety within cancer care. This experience gives her a uniquely compassionate and holistic approach.
Managing Breathlessness & Fatigue
Catherine’s palliative care background means she’s expert at helping people manage symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue—issues that affect many older adults, not just those with cancer. She knows how to help people conserve energy, breathe more efficiently, and stay as active as possible despite their limitations.
Current Practice
Alongside her work with Medella, Catherine continues to treat patients at a local private hospital following orthopaedic, spinal, and surgical procedures. She has also expanded her practice to work with children and young adults with profound learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and rare genetic disorders—demonstrating her remarkable range as a clinician.
