Page 126 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT SCOTLAND
SSgt (SSI) C Paterson RAPTC
So, who 14 months ago when we were asked to write our MBS articles for 19/20, could have imagined what was to come over the next year? Let’s hope that when the time comes for
MBS article 21/22, we have all returned to a degree of normality.
During this period, Fudge & I sadly said our farewells to 39 Regt & PCRF Kinloss. I will always have fond memories of the posting and the Unit. The assignment has now been handed over to Sgt Tyla Turner; although our encounter was brief, I can already tell that he is going to be a great success at Kinloss.
However, as with life, when one door closes another door opens. I have now returned to one of my previous posts, RRU Scotland. I am personally delighted (I would hope RRU would say the same about my return, but they were more excited about Fudge being back and my 80s music playlists!).
RRU Scotland is one of the most unique places I have worked within the military. The vast range of personalities that operate within the RRU sets it apart from other postings. From the clinical expertise and experience of the physio’s & doctor, the military experience of the OC and RTSA and not forgetting the bubbly and friendly atmosphere the admin support provides. It is a truly unique and great place to work which has helped me to develop both clinically as an ERI and as an individual.
In Jan 21, RRU Scotland also welcomed Sgt (SI) Dean Simpson straight from the JSSERI course. Despite a delayed graduation due to COVID-19, he has bounced through the main doors with masses of enthusiasm and up to date rehab knowledge? His enthusiasm and knowledge are going to be great assets to future patients and the RRU.
With the arrivals of myself & Dean, it also meant that RRU has bid farewell to our predecessors, Sgt (SI) Ryan Burns and Sgt (SI) Luke Mowbray. Sgt (SI) Ryan Bruns was posted to ITC Catterick. Where I am sure he will continue to build on the excellent mentoring & foundations that RRU have put in place with him.
Sgt Luke Mowbray decided to further challenge himself with transferring to become an RAF Regt Officer. I asked for a comment from Luke and this is what he had to say:
“Although I have loved every minute of being in the RAPTC, I was looking for another personal challenge. The RAF Regt Officer course was arduous by itself but throw in the legendary 5 miler of death and I can now stand toe to toe with the Para’s and Marines!”
Clearly the above is a bit of tongue in cheek on my part and all at the RRU wish them both great success in their future endeavours.
During the pandemic the RRU took the opportunity reduced patient numbers presented to implement a trickle feed system. This continuous course loading system allows the region to better accommodate patient needs.
Due to social distancing restrictions only 6 patients can attend the RRU at any one time. Therefore, 2 patients are admitted every Monday for 2 weeks rehab and 2 are discharged every Friday. This is completely different to my time at RRU previously with 2 x courses of 15 running concurrently.
Although the quantity of patients being treated is vastly reduced, I would say that the quality of rehab exponentially improved. This isn’t saying that when there are more numbers, the quality of service is poor. With reduced numbers, the amount of ‘one to one time’ the Physio & ERI team can have with each patient has increased. Although all clinicians are in full PPE and looking like extras from the ‘Hostel’ films. We are all enjoying the more personal service of Rehab that reduced numbers has allowed, and from the patient feedback, they are gaining a lot of benefit from the increased clinician time afforded to them. Clinical staff from the region report a seamless transition from the previous block loading system and all feedback is positive.
Going forward, Dean has been given the immediate job of looking after course personnel for the short term. Whilst I am concentrating my efforts on the management side. Thus, allowing WO2 (QMSI) ‘Issy’ Menzies to concentrate on her running, sorry, her resettlement (Sorry Issy) and to ensure business continuity through a future expected gap in the RTSA post. This will be a personal challenge for me. Anyone who knows me knows I have the concentration span of a goldfish and can have momentary lapses in concentration. I am sure Q Menzies is going to have her work cut out with me and will require lots of patience in the coming months before she sadly departs.
(Left–Right) WO2 (QMSI) Menzies, Sgt (SI) Simpson, SSgt (SSI) Paterson