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Located in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the Combat Manoeuvre Centre (CMC) in Bovington serves as
the home of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC). This is my second assignment in an ERI role and slightly different to my previous, with a mix of RAC, Infantry and Royal Marines giving a diverse patient demographic. In addition, a continuous flow of Initial Trade Trainees (ITTs), sees the PCRF running regular rehab classes to minimise recovery times and ensure training timelines are met.
The PCRF team at Bovington comprises of two Physiotherapists, Ms Helen Williams and Mr Chris Wood, alongside myself as the ERI. The team see a variety of acute and long-term injuries from a Population at Risk (PAR) of approximately 1000 Service Personnel (SP) across 10 different sub- units. Operating in the Southwest Region of Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC), there are many opportunities to work and collaborate with our Navy and Royal Marine counterparts. In-Service Training (IST), Continual Professional Development (CPD) sessions and shared best practice support this collaborative working. Notably, our recent departmental excursion as part of a Regional IST, included a visit to HMS Talent to better understand the role of Naval Submariners. Whilst here, the team also got to look at and try some of the new Royal Navy Physical Employment Tests.
As previously mentioned, a key focus of our department is to deliver rehabilitation to RAC ITTs who sustain injuries during their trade training. The provision of an intense programme for these individuals ensures
SSgt (SSI) C Holmes RAPTC
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PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY (PCRF) BOVINGTON
SSgt (SSI) Conor Holmes, Bovington PCRF and SSgt (SSI) Colin McCabe, PCRF Blandford conducting some joint training on the Alter G Treadmill system
PCRF Bovington Staff outside the facility on Stanley Barracks, Bovington Camp
they are not only specifically rehabbing their injury but also maintaining all aspects of their fitness. By incorporating Strength and Conditioning exercises aligned with the Army Physical Training System (APTS), we help these recruits reinforce their fundamental movement patterns and establish a solid physical base. Additionally, we incorporate loaded march training to prepare them for their return to Level 3 Physical Training or to advance to their Role Fitness Test (Soldier) (RFT(S)), enabling them to progress to Field Force units seamlessly.
Looking forward to the future of PCRF Bovington, preparations are underway for its merger with PCRF Blandford as part of the formation of a group practice. Historically, the two PCRFs have maintained close ties facilitated by their geographical proximity, often sharing IST, CPD sessions and team outings. This impending merger holds promise for enhanced collaborative efforts and improved operational efficiency across both locations.