Page 132 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY DHEKELIA
Sgt (SI) A Spencer RAPTC
Since arriving on the island September 2016 it has been an interesting seven months in adapting to the way of life here in Cyprus. As the ERI here I am responsible for the
delivery of rehabilitation and reconditioning for Dhekelia Station and 2nd Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, so a demographic of around 2500 pax (when you take into account the dependants).
By the time I landed on my feet, in addition to managing the initial workload of the newly arrived ERI, it was clear to see that the next two years are not going to be the dreamed ‘sunshine tour’ as everybody deems Cyprus to be.
Since arriving at the Medical Reception Centre at Dhekelia additional tasking’s came thick and fast; from organising Battle eld Tours, to organising and delivering the new Defence Occupational Fitness (DOFit) course, and introducing a new ‘Injury Prevention’ scheme for both; military personnel and dependants.
People always say rst impressions stick with you; so I am sure people can guess what I was thinking when within minutes of meeting my new Deputy SMO on day one I was tasked with organising a Battle eld Tour to Gallipoli, Turkey for the entire military contingent of the MRS.
Since qualifying as a Defence Health and Wellbeing advisor this tour has been my rst opportunity to actually deliver the new DOFit course; which as it happens was a lot easier to organise and deliver than expected due to all the excellent online resources provided by WO1 (SMI) O’Donnell and his team back in the UK. The course ran in Jan 17 and was attended by 14 soldiers, all of whom were determined to create lifestyle changes in order to become healthier, tter and stronger. The course ran exceptionally well with all the students interacting and participating throughout the course; the evidence that the rst course here in Cyprus was
successful can be seen in the 8 week post course BMI data which is nothing other than impressive when you compare the week one and week eight data! A commendable effort from all students especially those who are now passing their MATT 2 tests.
With the new Commanding Of cer arriving for the Residential Infantry Battalion (RIB) – 2 PWRR, the focus was on improving the Battalions downgraded statistics. So with continued communication from the RIB RAPTCI, SSgt (SSI) MacLaughlin, the chain of command and our medical assets, the stats soon improved to a worthy 85% MFD rate and climbing, which is impressive for such a large Infantry Battalion.
In addition to the above I have now introduced, with the help from the Physios of course, a new ‘Injury Prevention’ programme open to all Station, RIB and dependants. The aim being to further reduce the Units stats by addressing all the common MSKI ndings seen here within the PCRF in a twice weekly rehab based session; ‘Prevention is always better than the cure!’
So far, it has been a constant but enjoyable period. However my work life has no signs of slowing as we are looking to introduce the DOFit syllabus to all dependants in the form of weekly evening classes over a two month period. As well as this, it is now time for the RIB to start winding down as they are due to relocate to Cottesmore over the coming months, which then means it is time for the PCRF to welcome the new RIB; the Poachers, and all their rehabilitation and downgraded personnel.
However, although the work load is high, this is offset by the numerous opportunities Cyprus presents. Adventure Training across the island; from the heights of Troodos down to the lows of the beach at Konnos Bay and all the great weather and associated activities make it an enjoyable place to be.
WO2 (QMSI) Andy Halliday RAPTC was nominated for the Army Of cial of the Year for 2016 and his citation is reprinted below:
WO2 A Halliday is the senior football of cial in the Services and is currently a Premier League of cial. Off the pitch he has own the ag for Army Referees for many years both lling numerous appointments and is a key active member of Regional and Army Football Association (AFA) Executive Committees. As a Football Association tutor, mentor and assessor he has been a stalwart in the encouragement, training and mentoring of Army Referees. He is currently back in harness as the Army’s Chief Instructor and Development Of cer. He has run over thirty courses and helped to develop well over 400 referees; thus enabling Football to prosper as the majority Army Sport.
Primary Events and Achievements
He is the only person from the Army to have reached national level since the formation of the Premier League in 1992 and has of ciated at over 240 games. He refereed the Army Cup nal in 2007 – the ultimate achievement for an Army Referee. In 2011 he won the Dobson Trophy for the of cial who, in the eyes of his peers, has made the greatest contribution to Army Football.
WO2 (QMSI) A Halliday RAPTC Receiving his Army Of cial Award 2016 from Major General S A Burley - Director Army Sports Control Board
RAPTC SPORT
ARMY SPORTS AWARDS 2016 SPORTS OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR