Page 49 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

The Gazette QARANC Association 49
inherent risks associated with being so far ‘outside the wire.’ Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, none more so than the 1R IRISH staff witnessing AMS fire team attacks!
As QAs will drive and command large military vehicles, we undertook two-weeks of LGV vehicle training, with several personnel receiving a category C or C+E licence and the offer of employment as truckers, if we ever leave our current professions! Certainly not what we thought we’d be doing when we volunteered as ED and ITU nurses to go on tour.
Two clinical exercises in March followed at AMSTC. This provided us with an opportunity to validate and assure our Deployed Hospital Care capabilities. We needed to be assessed competent in our roles and be judged suitable to deliver on tour. A panel of our peers was assembled to watch and assess our clinical capabilities. They also observed the team dynamics and
the actions within each department, using CCTV to provide feedback.
The final 4-week Mission Readiness Field Exercise at Bodney Training Camp, a sprawling training area in Norfolk, alongside 1 R IRISH, would test our battlecraft like never before. As our first experience with the battlegroup, and with their eyes upon us there was pressure to prove we would not be a hindrance. This exercise proved to be essential preparation for what lies ahead in Mali.
Most of the clinicians deploying are Reservists and deploying for the first time. During PDT, there was a gradual transition from ‘How we do it in the NHS’ to ‘How we do it in the AMS.’ No longer did we have the luxury of domestics to clean, or porters to transport blood products.
Individuals have had to become team players and assist in tasks not typically within their scope of practice. This has helped break down the traditional
“silo mentality” found within the NHS, giving team members insight into and appreciation of other roles.
During this period, we developed our practice, and realised how adaptable we can be. We are proud of the unique capabilities we offer as QAs, capable of undertaking arduous 30-day patrols in the Sahara Desert, serving alongside our fellow peacekeepers.
Capt. Chris Finnegan and Capt. Matt Donaldson
204 North Irish Field Hospital Belfast, Northern Ireland
with a nice meal, and we explored more of Newcastle. In April and June, we went up Grey’s Monument (well those able to manage the 168 steps, the rest waited in a local drinking establishment).
We also ventured over to Sunderland and, as well as learning a lot about our arch football rival’s city, we were able to visit Veterans Walk where you can have a stone placed with yours, or a family member’s service details inscribed. In May, Ann gave us her insight into South Shields, which concluded with fish and chips.
Earlier this year we held face to face which were well attended. We are attempting to have ‘hybrid’ meetings where anyone unable to attend in person can join us via Zoom, but unfortunately it is a work in progress.
In May, Jacqui Hall (Sec) and I
attended the Reunion Lunch in Cardiff. It was lovely to see a great turnout and to meet with old friends and make new ones.
Our Summer Ball, postponed a couple of times, was eventually held in July, with a small but select group of attendees.
We continue to have Zoom meetings on a Sunday, which is a nice way to catch up on the events of the week and see members who aren’t always able to get out and about.
We have also started a monthly coffee event, with the first being held at Eileen Harold’s home. The weather was kind and we were able to outside and enjoy her lovely garden – not forgetting the excellent scones and lemon drizzle cake!
knitting creation, which she made for the Queens Platinum Jubilee. This was positioned on one of their village postboxes and was shown in their local newsletter. An impressive piece of knitting, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Shirley Laverick-Stovin, Chair
Eileen showed us her wonderful