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for RAPTC study periods and Defence Health and Wellbeing Advisor courses. They’ve also been involved in officiating and Sgt Scott Caine has also got himself onto a freefall parachuting course; being so close to 16 Air Assault Brigade but not in an airborne PID meant he was getting itchy feet at not being able to jump.
With another change in OC upcoming and the QMSI retiring from the military, it’ll be all change again in 2018 but even with the loss of our fond counterparts, just like in rehab we’ll come out strong at the end of it.
PCRF Wattisham is my first post within the RAPTC and as an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor. I finished the RAPTC instructors course in Jun 17, a week later I commenced
training at JSSERI, DMRC, Headley Court. The ERI course was certainly a challenge, however, I thoroughly gained the knowledge and now it is good to put everything I have learnt into practice. The PCRF is currently staffed by 2 Civilian Physiotherapists and myself as the ERI. The wealth of knowledge between the physiotherapists is great not only the benefit of the patients but also for myself to progress. The PCRF currently supports 3 Regt AAC, 4 Regt AAC and 7 Bn REME.
Since taking up the post, I have changed the PCRF diary to include 11 class based therapy lessons throughout the week. There has already been a noticeable change in the soldiers’ attitude towards rehabilitation and the motivation to want to get back to full fitness with the lessons being full. I have introduced ‘warrior’ classes into the rehab programme as well which consists of flexibility, mobility, core stability, glute activation and yoga movements. These classes have had a lot of interest which has been good.
‘I can touch my toes again; I haven’t been able to touch them for 10 years’ – This is a common phrase I hear since the classes have begun.
PCRF Wattisham
Sgt (SI) J Battle RAPTC
REGIONAL REHABILITATION UNIT COSFOR
WO2 (QMSI) D Slade-Jones RAPTC
RRU Cosford is situated in the heart of West Midland Brigade; under DPHC HQ, the RRU is governed by Lt Col Baker as Regional Clinical Director and commanded by OC
Maj Radcliffe RAMC. The Region is then closely guided by the experience and skills of HQ 11 Sig X SO3 PD Capt (MAA) Jackson and WO2 (QMSI) Foley RAPTC.
As the Regional Trade Specialist Advisor (RTSA) of Northern Ireland and Wales and West (NIWW), it has been another demanding but successful year for the provision of rehabilitation and the reduction of MSKI. At RRU Cosford we pride ourselves on accelerating Tri- Service personnel back to operational effectiveness, through the delivery of exercise rehabilitation. The diverse range of experience within our multidisciplinary team has led to the development of course content lending itself to patient empowerment.
Sgt (SI) Andy Brown RAPTC a deserved recipient of the RAPTC SM Coin for his contribution and commitment to rehabilitation which has developed JSERI Students and peers alike as the RRU lead ERI. In his capacity as West Midlands Cricket Secretary, participation in the sport has continued to grow with another successful 2017/18 league. In his first ERI post, Sgt (SI) Ebrima Jallow RAPTC has shown that standards are worth maintaining. A fantastic role model, his character and empathy for the patients has proven to be successful in the support of MSKI. Currently the West Midlands Athletic Secretary, he finds the capacity to support PD in many areas which include ERI interest days and
The RRU Cosford staff
ETL course delivery. The RRU Team has recently been reinforced by the arrival of Sgt (SI) Gaz McNamara RAPTC aka the ‘hot dog’ (World Record Marathon holder, dressed as an item of food). His enthusiasm for the role has been infectious for both staff and patients; he continues to support the Corps in his capacity as lungs on legs.
As well as a very busy clinical year, all the RAPTCIs have managed to represent the Corps in their chosen sport. Achievements include myself as a Corps rugby enthusiast, Sgt Brown as the legendary athletic and cricket player that he is. Sgt Jallow has played every position from goalkeeper to water boy for the RAPTC FC, and Sgt McNamara has represented the Cross Country and Triathlon team, however this time he was not wearing his hot dog suit.
The RRU course structure and its Multi Injury Assessment Clinic (MIAC) are vital assets to the reduction of MSKI throughout NIWW Region. The past year at RRU Cosford has been very productive, a learning curve for all involved. Patient feedback has seen nothing but praise for a very dedicated and special team that continues to give a 100% every day.
On reflection, building rapport within the NIWW Region has been the most successful aspect of 2017/18. The facilitation of education and training supported by the DDR Clinical Development team assisted by WO1 (SMI) Gaz Till RAPTC has been an integral part of this process.