Page 177 - MBS 2022/23

Refreshed hope brought in a fantastic new year for the RRU team led by Maj F Short RAMC. With the leaving
of one of our highly-regarded civilian ERIs, Carmen Ansley, the team knuckled down for a revised workload on delivering courses to patients. Not deterred by hard work, the team worked in such synergy that there was no noticeable change in staffing.
During the summer months we maintained a weekly recovery walk with the patients, taking in the stunning views of Ogmore- by-Sea, Porthkerry and the Knap. This weekly routine was received well by the patients, so much so that, whatever the weather it was something that we should keep doing come rain or shine.... and we did. No matter what the lovely weather of South Wales was up to, every Wednesday the rehab courses would be out on the coastal paths or walking through the parks taking time to make new friends, or time for themselves to reflect on all things in life. Of course, no walk is ever complete without a well-deserved coffee stop with perhaps some cake!
New kit day arrived later in the year with the uplift of the Alter-G treadmills and after a lengthy training package and some “playing” around, it was good to go. Utilised daily, the Alter G is a fantastic addition to the RRU and is often in constant use by the patients who miss running and want to feel that normality again.
With our ability to accommodate more patients on camp, the increase of patients on to courses became greater, meaning that my current desk jockeying days were numbered. Due to our location, we
SSgt (SSI) M Woodhead RAPTC
Maj F Short RAMC and SSgt M Woodhead RAPTC – “Dad & Lad”
are consistently unable to recruit locum ERIs and, as such, I was welcomed back to the shop floor to a sudden increase of work. Long days have since been the norm and coffee is a constant flow in and out of my mug – but the patient’s rehab is our primary directive. Some may say I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I knew there was more to come, and with this I volunteered to assist the Defence Health Recovery Group (DHRG) with Internal Assurance Reviews of other RRUs. A welcomed step into the increase of everything healthcare.
The Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities (PCRFs) within Region are courageously managing their workload, though tough
Dot and his new toy – the machine, not the patient
times are forecast due to staffing and location challenges. Haverfordwest and Brecon have said goodbye to 3 clinicians in total, which will have a large impact on the units and the staff due to their irreplaceable, professional and personal capability. The reshuffle of DPHC will hopefully bring a new lease of life and patient care can continue to match the timelines expected.
This is my last year at the RRU, which has been an absolute pleasure. I look forward to seeing the progressive development of care, which is often initiated here, and how easily it shall overcome any challenge – the RRU Team are without doubt a force to be reckoned with.
Maj Short showing how it’s not done at the Christmas Do
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REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT ST ATHAN
Patients soaking up that elusive Welsh sunshine