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THE DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE (DMRC) STANFORD HALL
DMRC is a unique working environment, the large site just outside Loughborough is home
to over 400 staff, a large contingent of which are civilian. The centre delivers rehabilitation care to some of the most severely injured personnel in Defence, with five main areas of specialisation. There are 9 RAPTC Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERIs) working within various teams delivering specialised exercise rehabilitation. Although the focus is on residential rehabilitation, ERIs are still able to participate in sport and AT, as well as deploy on Operational commitments.
Sgt (SI) Craig Edwards deployed on Op CABRIT to Estonia. His role involved designing and implementing rehabilitation programmes for injured soldiers, focusing on restoring physical functionality and promoting recovery while deployed. This included assessing injuries, developing personalised exercise plans and conducting one-on-one and group sessions to facilitate rehabilitation progress. The great working environment during deployment was complemented by opportunities outside of the normal day-to-day job, such as Battlegroup CO’s Competition, Battlefield Studies and Battlegroup sports events. As part of the forward rehab team, consisting of Capts Urquhart and Edwards RAMC, they had the opportunity to complete rehab surges into north and south Poland to aid in rehab provision for British troops deployed. The deployment provided Sgt Edwards with an excellent opportunity to enhance his skills as an ERI in a fast- paced PCRF setting, primarily dealing with acute injuries, which presents a different patient demographic compared to DMRC Stanford Hall.
DMRC Neurological Services
DMRC offers the only neurological services within Defence, where we provide care for complex patients which can be physical, mental or psychological in nature. The extensive 39 strong multidisciplinary team boast clinicians only found at DMRC. The Tri-Service ERI team of 4 (1 x SSgt (SSI), 1 x POPT, 1 x Sgt RM and 1 x civilian) provide holistic physical assessments and treatment to the patients for them to either transition back into Service or civilian life.
The ERI team has overcome a large turnover of staff over the last year as Operational and routine postings have taken effect.
Team Lower Limbs embracing the festive period
WO2 (QMSI) A Woodman RAPTC SSgt (SSI) J Townsend RAPTC SSgt (SSI) A Attree RAPTC SSgt (SSI) N Attree RAPTC Sgt (SI) C Edwards RAPTC Sgt (SI) C McPartlin RAPTC
Despite this we are directly supporting Op CATALYSE and RENOVATOR and have hosted International, governmental and University visits providing detail on the services offered. Additionally, the mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) service has amalgamated with the department, so all neurological treatments are provided under one service.
DMRC Force Generation
The Force Generation team consists of three smaller teams comprising of Spines and Upper Quadrants, Lower Limbs and Specialist Rehab departments. Within these teams resides several clinical professions that work collaboratively to provide safe and effective care to injured Service Personnel.
Since the last entry to the MBS, several changes have taken place within these
teams ranging from Service evaluations and Quality Improvement projects to capitalising on patient feedback through trend analysis to make changes to our services. These changes have included course duration from two to three weeks, structuring of the courses to become more periodised and relevant, and the creation of additional services.
It is not all work and no play as the teams do not miss the opportunity to undertake team building and cohesive activities.
Ultimately, Force Generation remains an innovative, effective, and enjoyable place to work, and will always strive to maximise everybody’s experience within rehabilitation.
Team Specialised Rehab showing that work can be fun
Team Specialised Rehab showing that work can be fun