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PCRF Catterick gets new sinks tted
full tness as quickly as possible. They look forward to continue working alongside their mainstream colleagues and constantly strive to improve the service by communicating effectively, listening to and acting appropriately to feedback and sharing knowledge through educational workshops.
Sgt (SI) ‘Robbo’ Roberts RAPTC
The PCRF at AFC Harrogate has
had many changes since the
arrival of Sgt (SI) ‘Robbo’ Roberts
RAPTC nearly two years ago.
Sgt (SI) Martin Laker RAPTC was
granted early parole and scarpered
to his new post in Dishforth. The
subsequent departmental gap
was enormous but was quickly
occupied by a civilian locum ERI,
Kenneth Ross who brought a
vast amount of experience to the
department. Imjin Platoon is a
rehabilitation platoon that supports
Junior Soldier’s (JS) in AFC Harrogate who are injured and/or have military training de cits. Imjin Platoon works under the watchful eye of Capt (MAA) Lou James RAPTC who arrived in June 16 replacing Capt (MAA) Mark Galley RAPTC. The highest standard of care and education are provided through the JS’ pathway to ensure a safe return to training. The Platoon continues to develop with statistical data showing 92% of injured personnel return to training fully t. As Imjin platoon begin the New Year under the direction of Capt James, it promises to become another busy but exciting one in the department. This follows a successful College boxing event, a regional basketball competition and a type 3 skiing expedition to France for thirty JS and ten staff taking any excuse to ‘get away from their terminal’.
Sgt (SI) Martin Laker RAPTC
Following Sgt Laker’s rst
assignment at PCRF AFC
Harrogate, he was assigned
to PCRF Dishforth in January
2017 located ‘’somewhere near
Thirsk’’. Although both jobs are
comparable, they contrast; whilst
at Harrogate the majority of
patients were junior soldiers with a
large percentage of acute injuries,
soldiers at Dishforth present with
more chronic injuries. The PCRF
provides rehabilitation for 21
Engineer Regiment in Ripon, 4
Regiment Royal Artillery in Topcliffe and 6 Regiment RLC within Dishforth Air eld. The department consists of two Physios, Mr Duncan Rodger who is our department lead, Mr Mark Nile (Physio to our modern football stars), our admin of cer, Mrs Valerie Cornes and Sgt Martin Laker as the stand alone ERI. Although a small department, it has consistently been proactive. Recently, Duncan
PCRF Dishforth Rehab Team
and Sgt Laker’s predecessor, SSgt (SSI) Dave Payling RAPTC, produced an Alternative Corps Training (ACT) presentation and booklet that was delivered to the majority of the AOR. ACT’s aim was to provoke thought as to how we currently target core strength during physical training within units and to highlight the contraindications of repeatedly conducting loaded exercises whilst exed at the trunk. AAPTIs within the AOR were encouraged to incorporate ACT training within unit PT sessions. On completion of a recent service evaluation last year, it was discovered that spine injuries had reduced signi cantly within 21 Engineer Regiment following ACT implementation. The delivery of ACT has continued beyond AAPTIs; the CoC within surrounding units are now receiving the presentation in order to widen its distribution and enhance the positive effect it has had on local units.
More recent injury prevention initiatives have included a departmental visit to 4 Regt RA whilst deployed on exercise in Otterburn training area. During the visit it was identi ed that from a rehabilitation outcome perspective, certain patients required completely different measures in relation to their roles. These discoveries were also incorporated within a new MSKI strategy that was co-written by the department lead and 4 Regt RA. What does the next year have in store for PCRF Dishforth? A detailed review of the way units track their patients will be carried out. Particular attention will be paid in regards to improving routine group therapy attendance and improving patients tracking through levels 1-3 PT.
It has been another interesting year for the rehab team at the PCRF in ITC Catterick; in addition to the daily routine of the ‘busiest PCRF in the British Army’, they have been continually presenting, supporting and advising ITC and the North Region.
Project Omega has been a huge success; this will be demonstrated at the RAPTC Conference in April 2017 and illustrate the gold standard of what can be achieved when collaboration between mainstream PTIs, ERIs and physios is optimised. As well as the constant support, WO2 (QMSI) Scotty Prior RAPTC has reimbursed 3 AEC for their assistance in his undergraduate degree
ITC Catterick Rehab Team, L to R Sgt (SI) John Palmer RAPTC, Mr M Gillibrand, WO2 (QMSI) Scotty Prior RAPTC, Mr R Sneddon, Sgt (SI) Ben Charlton RAPTC