Page 152 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT COSFORD
WO2 (QMSI) M Asher RAPTC
After spending seven years moving around mainstream gymnasiums and following a period as the Battle Back WO at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, I was informed I was moving back to the rehab world. Maj (MAA) Young RAPTC contacted me with the news that I was posted to the Regional Rehabilitation Unit Cosford as the Regional Trade Specialist Advisor (RTSA). With this news, I quickly dusted off the old faithful textbook, Brukner & Khan and started to refresh my rehab knowledge. Luckily, I had spent six months in a holding PID supporting the Defence Directorate of Rehabilitation (DDR) department. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic rules, there were no face-to-face meetings, office banter or social gatherings. However, I was grateful to be part of a team that had vision and a clear goal for the future. This experience ensured that I was quickly back up to speed within the rehab world when I arrived at Cosford. The main learning point whilst working within the DDR team was that you cannot rely on technology. During the first month, Lt Col Pope RAMC and WO1 (SMI) D Slade Jones RAPTC, informed me that my main role was to assist in the organisation of the first virtual rehabilitation conference. The aim was to deliver a full day’s Continued Professional Development (CPD) over ZOOM which would include distinguished speakers such as Dr Peter Brukner delivering his lecture from Australia. Gone were the days where 400 medical professionals descended on London and took over the Geographical Centre, we were now split between three training rooms at Stanford Hall. The conference was due start at 0900 sharp. WO1 (SMI) Slade Jones RAPTC had created a pre-recorded opening brief welcoming all delegates to the conference. Lt Col Williams RAMC who was the appointed tech Guru waited eagerly to hit the play button. The play button was pressed only to see the SMI glitching out not once but on three separate takes. The first virtual DMRC rehabilitation conference was an outstanding event, despite the challenges.
Talk about being dropped in the deep end. Following my arrival interview with Maj Andy Wareham RAMC he informed me that he had been trawled to assist with the roll out of Op RESCRIPT and would be packing his bags immediately and heading to London for six months. It was confirmed that the 2IC Capt Filmer RAMC would take command of the RRU. Capt Filmer did an outstanding job which also saw her trawled to BATUK during the six-month period. This period also saw a full change of military staff which welcomed Sgt (SI) “Jodie” Beckingham RAPTC posted in from DMRC Stanford Hall and Sgt (SI) “Danny” Miley RAPTC posted in from the JSSERI course. Both instructors have brought new ideas and energy into the department which was needed due to the disruption caused by a full staff churn. It’s infectious having
RTSA HOTO between WO2 (QMSI) Cubbage RAPTC and WO2 (QMSI) Asher RAPTC at the top of the Wrekin.
RRU Cosford balance and proprioception group therapy lesson.
keen, dedicated RAPTCIs that are both exceptionally talented instructors.
On arrival at RRU Cosford it was apparent that the historic military rehab programme that I once delivered had completely changed. During the HOTO with WO2 (QMSI) Cubbage RAPTC it was clear to see that a new hybrid model of rehab delivery was having a positive effect, even though it was being delivered virtually. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the RRU course had been changed from a three-week face-to-face instructor-led course to a package accessible through Defence Connect. Having recently completed the first Warrant Officer CLM course online, I was sceptical of online tuition. My scepticism was quickly removed when I was shown the quality of the information on Defence Connect and the ease in which the user navigates the site. SSgt (SSI) Francis RAPTC, WO2 (QMSI) Cubbage RAPTC and Sgt (SI) Edwards RAPTC should be congratulated for their contribution towards the roll out of the course and creating an excellent E-Learning platform.
The old model of RRU care worked around a 1-15 instructor / patient ratio. Due to social distancing restriction, course numbers were reduced to eight per course. This change in delivery has been well received by both patients and clinical staff. The reduced numbers allow for the clinicians to spend quality time with each patient, which is having a positive outcome for patients with chronic injuries. During the pandemic the RRU delivered a virtual package which was a mixture of instructor-led education sessions allowing for patient and staff interaction. Following the virtual week, the patients attended a one-week residential course where the online training is confirmed. As I write this article all Covid 19 restrictions in the UK have been lifted meaning the rehab world is slowly normalising to reflect pre-pandemic protocols. RRU Cosford continues to deliver the first week on the virtual platform followed by a two-week instructor-led course. The old course rotations have been reimplemented covering lower quadrant, spines and upper quadrant courses.
I think it’s safe to say that we are finally entering the back end of what was a turbulent two years. We have certainly come a long way from conducting rehab in the confines of our houses, to returning to instructor-led class therapy. With the removal of restrictions, it has allowed the RRU CoC to recommence regional PCRF advisory visits. These visits are a great way to recreate positive working relationships and allow for best practice ideas to be discussed between clinicians. Lastly, I would like to thank all ERIs that are currently supporting the delivery of rehab in the NIWW region.