Page 17 - RADC Bulletin 2021

Swab Testing in London
LCpl C London and LCpl I Pun-Garbuja
During the second wave of the pandemic, LCpl Pun-Garbuja and I were given
a great opportunity to carry out gold standard COVID-19 swab tests for everyone in London who needed testing prior to travel. We took over this role in January 2021 after receiving training from the Medical Centre staff who had been stood up to help work on a COVID-19 ward.
On a daily basis we would both receive emails from the Co-ORD cell to inform
us if there were patients who required
a COVID swab test. We would then decide between us who could carry out the swab. This additional role had to
be juggled alongside our normal roles such as IPC lead, Equipment Manager, doing split shifts covering the PM PID in Shorncliffe, as well as our duties in the Dental Centre. So, you can imagine our days were quite hectic.
Once confirmed with the Co-ORD cell that we would take the case, we then liaised with the patient to organise a time and date to meet, this had to be 48 – 72 hours before their flight. Prior to the appointment with the patient, we had to arrange for the swabs to be transported to the lab, this was done through MT.
This meant more liaising with a different department from camp. Once everything was sorted, we were ready to carry the swab out. This consisted of a sample from the tonsils/throat and nose, detailing the testing tube, packaging the sample, as directed from the lab, and sending it with the designated driver for delivery. Finally, we would send an email to the lab, Co- ORD Cell and DPHC RHQ to let everyone know samples were on their way.
This role was a fantastic opportunity
for both LCpl Pun-Garbuja and I to work alongside each other in a task that is not dental. All the patients we saw were grateful for the time and effort we put
in to make their travel happen, one of us even received a coin to say thank you. We received great feedback from Lt Jones saying “Wellington Dental Centre have proven themselves to
be invaluable assets in supporting
DPHC testing to facilitate and maintain operational effectiveness across Defence. Additionally, they have covered a number of high-profile serials supporting Defence Engagement. Often tasked at short notice, both LCpl London and LCpl Pun have remained flexible and professional, whilst understanding the importance
of their roles within the process. It is a pleasure to work alongside them both.”
I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Co-ORD cell themselves who work tirelessly around the clock to make the magic happen.
LCpl Pun-Garbuja
The gold standard COVID-19 swab
test tasking was a brilliant experience.
It has been an excellent opportunity outside my usual scope of practice. During these taskings LCpl London and
I worked alongside each other well and competently. As LCpl London mentioned all the patients were very appreciative and grateful. We were able to carry
out swab tests on some high profile individuals, such as the CDS, which made me a bit nervous. However, it allowed
me to gain valuable experience with the variety of personnel and tasks involved.
Op RESCRIPT
Capt K Trinick
I was deployed on Op RESCRIPT from January 2021 to March 2021, in one of the North East COVID Vaccine QRF teams.
The use of QRF teams for vaccine delivery was a novel concept, which came about
in order to provide support to the NHS at short notice. The main effort was to provide personnel to support the NHS teams at NHS vaccination sites across the North East of England and North Yorkshire.
Initially there were three teams of six personnel, made up of a range of different medical professionals. This then increased to six teams as demand for vaccinations surged. Within my team there was a General Duties Medical Officer (GDMO), a paramedic,
a Dental Officer (me), and three combat medical technicians (CMTs). We undertook an RSOI at Gaza Barracks in Catterick, all the relevant eLFH courses online and a day of hands-on training at The Thackery Museum vaccination site in Leeds City Centre. Following this training we were deployed to a wide range of different locations across
the North East and Yorkshire, from York,
Hull, Durham, Sunderland, Leeds and Huddersfield, to name a few.
There was an overwhelmingly positive reaction to our presence from the general public. A lot of people mentioned that they had seen on the news that the Armed Forces were helping with the vaccine efforts and they were happy to see that in action. Several patients remarked that they felt safer knowing that the Army was helping and reassured to see us on the ground.
Op RESCRIPT gave us the unique opportunity to work with a wider population base than we normally would within the military and this is something I really enjoyed. A lot of the older population who we saw in January 2021 had previously served in the Armed Forces or had close connections with people who had. It was lovely to hear the stories they had to tell, the memories they held on to fondly and the lifelong friendships they had taken away from their time in
the military. We even had several service numbers recited perfectly and a couple of salutes thrown in for good measure!
The multidisciplinary approach to the vaccine sites gave us all the opportunity
to work with other medical professionals who we wouldn’t normally interact with. This was really interesting and drew out many conversations which allowed for further professional development. It was
a great privilege to work with the NHS on this monumental national effort to get our country back on its feet. When I look back at my time at 5 Medical Regiment, my time on Op RESCRIPT will definitely be a highlight.
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