Page 156 - RAPTC 23/24

154
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
London & South Region has seen lots of changes this year and therefore has challenged and tested
all the ERIs within the Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities (PCRFs) of the Region and the RRU, but it has not phased their excellence in delivery.
These changes have been vast, from SSgt (SSI) Barrigan closely supporting the British and Commonwealth Armies involved in the King’s Coronation at the beginning of the year and playing a central role in combining London medical centres and PCRFs into the London combined medical practice. PCRF Pirbright adapting to the change from the Common Military Syllabus taught to the recruits at the Soldier Academy Pirbright into the new Future Solider programme and how they can best rehabilitate the injured recruits holistically as well as physically; all this whilst combining Pirbright and Windsor PCRFs to support the rehabilitation to the Infantry regiments housed there.
The theme of change continues with SSgt Ballard and Sgt Hobbs at PCRF Sandhurst, where they identified a need to uplift the PCRF with new equipment that is in keeping with the Army Physical Training System (APTS) syllabus taught at Sandhurst. They further found gaps within their own knowledge base and upskilled it by attending UKSCA courses and
WO2 (QMSI) G Cooper RAPTC
events from world leading professional speakers, which has in turn improved their rehabilitation capability to the future officers of the British Army.
RRU Aldershot, along with the other RRUs across the UK, have also been under a period of change, moving to a new formation under Defence Healthcare Recovery Group. This change has also derived a change in delivery from a 3-week residential rehabilitation course to a new 2-week format, which has meant having to maximise the impact and importance of rehabilitation in a shorter period.
These changes within the Region have also been tested with the change of personalities within London & South Region. Over the past 6 months we have said goodbye to SSgt Body, Sgt Paynter- Hetherington, Sgt Kelly and Sgt Osbourne. Welcoming SSgt Pradip, Sgt Ali, Sgt Gale and Sgt Joubert and with further farewells and welcomes to come over the next coming months.
Although the ERIs within the Region have seen changes to the normal rehabilitation pattern, they are experienced. They have never faltered and have continued to work alongside and support each other in whatever capacity they can, be it holding Regional ERI training days or peer-on- peer reviews. All this whilst keeping the
An In-service Training Day at PCRF Sandhurst
PCRF Sandhurst following refurbishment
high standards of delivery excellence and the patient at the centre of all they do.
In closing, my first year as Regional Trade Specialist Advisor (RTSA) for London & South Region and QMSI at RRU Aldershot has been one of mixed experiences with change in many forms. However, there is no greater honour than being in a position where I can help support, advise and mentor the newer generation of RAPTCIs and those within the ERI Cadre that I serve.
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT (RRU) ALDERSHOT
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT (RRU) ALDERGROVE
Iarrived at RRU Northern Ireland (RRU NI) in Apr 23 as the Regional Trade Specialist Adviser (RTSA), where it
was welcoming to return to Northern Ireland having started my RAPTC Career in PCRF Holywood in 2014. As expected RRU NI was in good running order thanks to the stellar team and the stewardship of WO2 (QMSI) Andy Brown RAPTC.
Sadly, there was a lack of ERIs in the Region due to workforce constraints and JSSERI requiring a training pause to enhance and update the course. We were also gapped in most of our senior leadership team including OC RRU and Band 7 physiotherapist. This resulted in an interesting dichotomy of RTSA advising and guiding physio business. During this period, I had also applied for Senior Soldier Entry Commission of which I was successful and will commission into the RAMC Apr 24.
WO2 (QMSI) J Gray RAPTC
The wider team are a fantastic group of clinicians well versed in the Defence Medical Service (DMS) requirements and possibly some of the best staffed PCRFs in DPHC PMC. Always forward leaning and open to discussion, a difficult management period was made that much easier with their candour. Through the latter part of 2023 we welcomed students from JSSERI that may be assigned to Northern Ireland during which time they became well affiliated with what we have to offer as a Region, including a thriving social scene of like-minded RAPTCIs.
In Jan 24 we welcomed a new crop of ERIs into Team NI, which was a welcome improvement to PCRF and RRU delivery. Welcome to Sgt (SI) Andrew Gilmore RAPTC (PCRF Lisburn), Sgt (SI) Andrew Newman RAPTC (RRU NI), Sgt (SI) Lee Knight RAPTC (PCRF Holywood). RRU NI sadly lost Sgt (SI)
Wesley Wright to PCRF Aldergrove as part of our reshuffle, I’ve no doubt Sgt (SI) Wright will achieve great things in his new post where he will have the scope to expand his experience and knowledge. Wes we wish you all the best, Sgt (SI) Newman has big shoes to fill... size 12 to be precise.
Also in Jan 24, we welcomed back our OC RRU and the NI Region was finally back to full working strength... give or take a locum or two. It was fantastic to finally get to work with Maj Hannah Fitzgerald RAMC all be it only for a few weeks, though we smashed through Care Quality Commission (CQC) with a breeze. I definitely leave the RRU with a heavy heart, knowing that the Region is fully staffed with ERIs to mentor. However, new pastures call as I assume the role of a Capt in the RAMC.