Page 169 - MBS 2022/23

Since the turn of the year the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall (DMRC SH) has been
on a busy cycle of patient courses. Both Sgt Edwards and I came to the lower limbs team in the summer of 2022 and have been getting to grips with the Multi- Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach used here at DMRC. Additionally, Sgt Clarke joined the Spines and Upper Quadrants team in January and is working with a range of patients varying in complexity.
DMRC has been an excellent first tour as an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor (ERI) due to the vast array of clinical experience provided by all members of the MDT. Having the support of other clinicians has helped extensively in developing further skills required to better serve injured personnel. In addition, CPD is a regular occurrence and opportunities to attend, or deliver, are plentiful.
RAPTC ERI Neurological Department Insight - Sgt (SI) J Townsend RAPTC Working within the Neurological department presents inimitable challenges, allowing for ERI development perhaps not possible in other locations. Each patient condition is unique and affects the patient in different degrees of severity, so the ERI must provide tailored care, not only for their condition, but for the individual’s social and military status.
The thirty strong diverse team comprises of Occupational Therapists, Vocational Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Neurological Consultants, Rehabilitation Assistants, Psychologists, Social Workers and of course ERIs. We all work effectively as an MDT to guide patients through the rehabilitation pathway to achieve the best possible outcome for their condition. The complex array of conditions includes, but are not limited to; Mild Traumatic Brain
Sgt (SI) C Mangan Force-Generation Insight author
Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Strokes and Functional Neurological Disorders. As a result, some patients have been in a coma for long periods, others suffer with speech and language skills, mood and perhaps ability to withstand any stimulus such as noise, light and touch. The ERI must plan and deliver sessions taking into consideration the aforementioned conditions.
As the Unit has continued to emerge from post-COVID protocols, it has enabled more group physical therapy sessions to occur, increasing interaction between patients, which for some is a vital part of their rehabilitation. It is deeply humbling to witness a patient’s progression, not only in physical ability but also their mental health. As some patient admissions are sometimes in excess of several months you build a strong rapport and are sometimes saddened that they are discharged from
Sgt (SI) J Townsend Neurological Department Insight author
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DEFENCE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE STANFORD HALL
Sgt (SI) C Mangan RAPTC and Sgt (SI) J Townsend RAPTC RAPTC ERI Force-Generation Insight - Sgt (SI) C Mangan RAPTC
your care as they have been a part of your work life for so long. However, you know it is because they no longer require the intensive care that DMRC provides, and their next step in the road to recovery is what’s needed.
Senior Master at Arms and Corps Sergeant Major Visit
This year has been finished off brilliantly with a visit from Lt Col (SMAA) J Hughes and WO1 (Corps SM) D Southern-Naylor. The SMAA has worked at DMRC before and took a great interest in meeting the ERI cohort. Whereas the Corps SM had never been to DMRC, so was given a tour of the facilities and an insight into the type of patients that are seen and how patient care is delivered. This was rounded-off with lunch prior to a picture in front of the Jon Wood Gymnasium.
Sgt (SI) J Townsend representing the RAPTC