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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
HEADQUARTERS SOUTH EAST
JOINT HOSPITAL GROUP SOUTHEAST & 2 MI BATTALION
Iwas assigned to Joint Hospital Group Southeast (JHG SE) in Jan 2021 as an (SI). The role of a loan RAPTCI in such a
complex tri-service medical Unit brought a vast number of unique challenges. I designed, managed, and delivered PT sessions that were inclusive, fun, functional and, above all, fit for the purpose of preparing Service Personnel (SP) for their respective fitness assessments. Aware of the Unit’s priorities with regards to shiftwork within the Hospital, I ensured that all SP where capable of being fit enough to carry out their day-to-day job working within the NHS ensuring SP where strong enough to assist in lifting patients in and out of beds. SP noticed a difference between themselves and civilian NHS staff when it came down to the physical side of the job.
I have overseen the evolution of the JHG (SE) gymnasium from a satisfactory facility to a tremendous asset that is continuing to evolve even further. Identifying a need to support the Unit’s pre-post-natal SP, I instigated a mother/child clinic within the gym, ensuring SP have a safe and controlled environment where they can commence reconditioning PT during maternity leave with the assistance of 3 qualified pre/post-natal instructors including myself offering advice and guidance towards physical training and recovery.
During my time at JHG (SE), I organised a Charity event to raise money for Crohn’s Colitis UK, a charity in which I became an advocate after undergoing 3 major abdominal surgeries, I now offer advice, support and guidance towards other SP within the Armed forces struggling with tackling the same barriers.
In September 2023 I delivered the first UK South Badminton Championships in a number of years. This event ended up being a great success and encouraged a lot more Unit interest across the South region. I also ran a Regional Weak
SSgt (SSI) J Hughes Competing in BAWF with SSgt A Pechey and Lt Col E Withey
SSgt (SSI) J Hughes Charity Event
SSgt (SSI) J Hughes RAPTC
Swimmers’ Course alongside SSgt D Lane Queen Alexander Royal Army Nursing Corps, for a total of 15 SP with 10 SP managing to be successful in passing the Military Swim test (MST).
In January 2024, I was assigned the role of an SSI within 2 Military Intelligence
UK South Badminton Championships
Battalion (2 MI Bn). 2 MI Bn being the most highly deployable Unit within the British Army with the complexity of having company outposts posted all over the UK & Northern Ireland, it has already shown its challenges. I have already started to visit Sections all over the UK offering support and assistance where possible ensuring SP are fit to deploy and are given all the support towards rehabilitation they need to continue to operate.
Being keen on functional fitness, I enjoy competing in competitions all over the UK and other parts of the world. In February 2024, I managed to get a strong team together from Upavon Station to compete in British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), where we have currently taken first place 2 out of 2 events and plan to compete in the Final in the summer.