Davina Ford

Davina joined the Paediatric Bone Disease Service to work alongside Claire Hill and Professor Nick Bishop in 2002 when then team was in its infancy.  Since then, the caseload of children treated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has increased vastly and incorporated other rare bone conditions, including Achondroplasia. Davina works closely with other team members to ensure a sound multi-disciplinary approach to care, using her clinical experience and knowledge of children with OI while maintaining a background of evidence-based care. She has regular contact with BBS (Brittle Bone Society), POINT (Paediatric OI National Team) and ICCBH when the opportunity arises.

• Graduated in 1998 as a Physiotherapist BSc (Hons) from Coventry University
• Initially worked in Coventry as a rotational basic grade for 2 years, including a paediatric rotation at Walsgrave Hospital; then as a physiotherapist specialising in Neurology
• Moved back to home city of Sheffield in 2001 to work at Sheffield Children’s hospital as a rotational paediatric physiotherapist working in community, special school, orthopaedics and MSK
• July 2002 appointed to the Metabolic Bone team at SCH
• A founder member, former chair (2012-2015) and current secretary of POINT
• Member of the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) and HPC (Health Professionals Council)
• Currently works 29.4 hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

Interests

0-5yr with severe and complex OI, supporting new parents and promoting safe motor acquisition; feet and orthotics; rehabilitation and promotion of health and fitness and steering a smooth transition of young people to adult services.  Current projects:

• Transition champion and key member of the bone team working to improve of the transition of care from paediatric to adult services for children with bone conditions
• Piloting a new therapy lead clinic for children with Skeletal Dysplasia
• Promotion of physical activity for all
• When not at work, Davina is a mum of three and in her spare time enjoys walking, running and swimming. She also likes to make the odd cake, tackles a bit of DIY, gardens and most of all spends time with her family.