Page 129 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

127

Although there is a lot of work as the lone ERI, it is not without its
playtime and I am currently the Northern Ireland Suring Secretary.
The North Coast provides a fantastic opportunity for the lads
and lassies to engage in some “out-of-comfort-zone-recreation”

via suring. This not only gives them an insight in to a different
sport, but gets them out to see more of the sights around and
engage with the amazing local communities, indirectly I also get to
work on their ‘balance and proprioception’. Therefore with injury

prevention in mind, I took a select few up to the North Coast, to try
and beat the current world record of 120 people standing up on
the same wave! Unfortunately the attempt fell short but everyone
had a fantastic time integrating with other surfers and the local

community.

The success of suring within Northern Ireland will be measured
when I take individuals, cherry picked from here, over to the Army
Sgt ‘Dave’ Holden taking a surf lesson
Suring Championships in April 2013, more next year...

PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY LONDON

Sgt (SI) V Yates RAPTC

Primary Care Rehabilitation the PCRF were able to watch set up and well as contributing to unit health and

Facility (PCRF) London is a busy unfold right outside the ofice windows. wellbeing promotions and initiatives.
department covering all units within
The games were a success and many of
London District (LONDIST), with a current the Service members drafted in to help the Outside of the department I have
‘population at risk’ igure of 3755. The security of the event were accommodated also been able to contribute to wider

patient demographic is considerably varied in and around LONDIST, helping to create divisional sporting events in organisational
and includes the resident ceremonial the unique carnival atmosphere for the and oficiating capacities and will
Guards companies and household bands, two weeks of the games. It also meant soon be hosting the 2013 Volleyball
as well as other smaller attached units from that the department had to be extremely championships.

various cap badges and arms. We also lexible with its timetable and appointment
treat MOD employees of all ranks and job making during a rapidly changing, fast This has been a varied and thoroughly
descriptions from the various departments moving period.
enjoyable irst year in post in London and
in and around MOD Main Building in I have become well acclimatised to life
Whitehall. The department also currently Moving into 2013 the department will
in the city. A posting to LONDIST is an
provides ERI support on site to 2 PWRR continue to contribute to the Army opportunity deinitely not to be missed
from the medical centre at Royal Artillery Primary Health Care goals of inluencing when available and I am hoping much
Barracks in Woolwich, all of which combine pre-injury support and training and has more of the same is to follow over the
to make the work hugely varied and the already provided ERI cover for swimming next twelve months before moving on to

department an extremely interesting place instruction, strength and conditioning pastures new.
to work.
instruction and educational advice, as

The PCRF currently consists of the OC, a

civilian who is also employed as the Regional
Rehabilitation Oficer for London and South
East Region, ive physiotherapists – four of
whom are full time civilian staff and one

military who is the department OIC, and
one military ERI. The support offered by the
PCRF is constantly analysed and reviewed
to optimise the standard of rehabilitative
care to the region and is often streamlined

to trial or introduce new practices or
modes of treatment. The PCRF has this
year introduced the new LONDIST Multi
Disciplinary Injury Assessment Clinic and

also instigated a new Central London
Career Personal Development programme
to maintain and promote best working
practice for rehabilitation staff around the

London and South East area.

LONDIST has this year experienced a
unique pace to working life, with the large

number of events taking place in the capital
placing high demands on the units based
in and around the division. The highlight
of these was undoubtedly the Olympic
and Paralympic Games which the staff of
Sgt Yates PCRF-Rehab-Team