Jenni Dalgleish leaving UDOTS

Mrs Jenni Dalgleish left her position as Gait Service Physiotherapist at UDOTS on August 18th, 2022.

Jenni took up her position only a couple of years ago, at the end of 2019, but in that time, she has made such a positive impact on the clinical gait analysis service and contribution to UDOTS as a whole.

Jenni’s role involves gait data recording, analysis and reporting of clinical analysis data for those referred for biomechanical analysis of their walking patterns including patients with neuromuscular conditions and in particular children with cerebral palsy. These results are then used for clinical decision-making as part of a well-established multidisciplinary team. She works closely with NHS Tayside orthopaedic surgeons referring to the service. Jenni also provides support for teaching students and postgraduate and undergraduate research project supervision in UDOTS.

Mr Arpit Jariwala, UDOTS Director, commented:

“It is with a heavy heart that Jenni has decided upon pastures new for her career development. I know the children who attend clinical gait analysis will miss her just as much as her colleagues and students. I wish her every success and have no doubts that she will thrive in her role returning to paediatric physiotherapy within the Child Health Team in Tayside. Her skills, enthusiasm and cheerful demeanour will be greatly missed at UDOTS. Jenni joined us right at the time of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and in that short space of time has still managed to make an indelible mark at the department and she will be extremely difficult to replace. I suppose we must now elect a new ‘Social and Entertainment Convenor!”

The UDOTS Team took Jenni out for dinner to bid a fond farewell and to present her with some gifts of appreciation for her time in the Department.

Jenni Dalgleish, added:

“I have been so incredibly lucky to have spent the last three years working within the team at UDOTS. With the state-of-the-art facilities at the sports and gait laboratories and the wealth of knowledge that all the staff in the department have, every day has been a school day for me, but I have loved every minute of it. 

I could not have asked for a better team of people to work with and I will miss them all so much. Thank you for making me feel so welcome from day one and for giving me your time and a teeny bit of your knowledge (even general knowledge in the form of a much-loved lunchtime quiz! Thanks Ian Christie!). I would like to especially thank Dr Graham Arnold, Sadiq Nasir, Linda Johnston, and Dr Andrew Murphy for everything, but mainly for their time. I'd also like to thank Mr Jamie Maclean and Mr Donald Campbell for their assistance and expertise in clinics. No question has ever been too silly and their patience in the way they put up with me has been outstanding! I will be grateful for all you have taught me every day as I will be taking back a whole new level of knowledge to my new role within the NHS. 

I would also like to thank the students who I have had the pleasure of working with over the last three years. It has been a pleasure working with you all and thank you for your kindness, especially the students who had to put up with my children and dog interrupting our meetings during the home-schooling phase of the COVID-19 lockdowns! 

It has been a three-year rollercoaster having lockdowns, restrictions and lab closures thrown into the mix but my lovely colleagues in UDOTS have made coming to work (in person or online) something to look forward to. I have said it many times, but I will say it again, “you are all legends!”

Jenni enjoys a one-year work anniversary doughnut, following Covid lockdown protocols, and supervising and supporting postgraduate research students.

Jenni graduated with MSc in Physiotherapy (pre-registration) in 2008 with distinction from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. She began working in NHS Tayside in 2009 as a rotational physiotherapist in Ninewells Hospital. After several years in the acute setting, Jenny specialised in paediatric physiotherapy within the Child Health Team in Tayside where she gained a keen interest in cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders. Before starting her career as a physiotherapist, Jenny completed a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science (Hons) at Robert Gordon University. She is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.