Page 143 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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Navy and RAF. This movement saw me personally move from the SUQ team to specialist rehab, a department that deals with ten conditions outside of what we consider to be normal run-of-the- mill MSK injuries. My time spent in SUQ saw me working with a plethora of patients with a diverse Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach which has been a highly rewarding experience.
Challenges that I was faced with include working with upper and spinal complex pain patients and difficult neurological conditions. As the last 12 months of my post approaches very quickly, I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the specialist rehab department before my departure from DMRC. I have no doubt that the experiences gained will be beneficial in the future, whether that be within the ERI cadre or in the mainstream environment.
RAPTC ERI Neurological Department Insight
Sgt (SI) J Palmer RAPTC
It was another challenging year for the neurological department at DMRC with the 20+ strong team working tirelessly against difficult circumstances due to COVID-19 National Healthcare restrictions. The requirement to provide all round care to high-dependency patients and support their rehabilitation meant that the team had to expand their workforce to maintain an excellent level of care.
Upon arriving at DMRC, I was assigned to the department as the only Army representative within the multi-disciplinary team that comprises of RAF, Royal Navy and civilian clinicians. The ERI cohort was already three members strong, and my arrival has further contributed to a greater level of care that provides more opportunity for 1-to-1 interaction with patients.
Towards the end of 2021, the department was at full capacity delivering a variety of lessons to patients suffering from injuries and diseases such as: mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and functional neurological disorders (FND). Every day the team devotes their energy and effort to delivering rehab to patients which is incredible to observe and be part of. For most patients, rehab can involve walking or moving a limb for the first time after a serious brain injury or pushing a patient that last 5% to develop speed, agility and quickness (SAQ) before returning to Field Force Unit.
Sgt Charmer
Working within the neuro department has many daily challenges but the opportunity to see the development and progress of patients throughout the duration of their admission is inspiring. Restoring both mental and physical confidence and robustness to an ever-revolving door of patients from all services and backgrounds is an ERI’s dream, one that is possible as part of the neurological department at DMRC Stanford Hall.
Sgt Palmer