An invitation to visit The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall for an Insight Day was one not to be missed for a group of Society Members and Students.
It was just over 4 short months ago that Major Stephen Chappell and Warrant Officer Russell Hughes announced at The SST’s University Forum that Graduate Sports Therapists were to be accepted by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), to work as Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors (ERI). So, it came as no surprise that interest would be high for the chance to find out a little more about what life might be like, working at the MOD’s state-of-the-art clinical rehabilitation facility for injured service men and women. The Society of Sports Therapists’ (The SST) group were part of a 60 strong delegation from a variety of different disciplines.
Vice Chair Dr Lynsey Northeast, (Course Leader at Solent University) and Communications Group Chair Hayley Clarke, (Lecturer at Coventry University) also joined the day, to find out more both from Society Member and University perspectives. We caught up with them for a brief chat.
Lynsey said:
‘The day was a great mix of presentations, guided tours and discussions, led by Warrant Officer Phil Thompson, who had coordinated the day.
‘The facilities are everything you could hope for as a Graduate Sports Therapists and all housed all in this one facility. From an imaging set up with MRI, X-Ray and Ultrasound to hydrotherapy facilities, an aquatic therapy complex with swimming pool, underwater treadmill and cameras, several fully equipped gyms, a biomechanics lab, a physiology lab and so much more – it really is an amazing facility.’
A visit to the Prosthetics centre proved a fascinating way to start to the tour.
Hayley said:
‘It was great to be able to understand the whole process in the Prosthetics Centre from assessing the patient, to the designing, producing and actual fitting of the prosthesis; such a key phase in the rehab process.’
Mental trauma is often the hidden consequence of injury suffered, so a project workshop designed to rebuild confidence, develop and fine tune skills and dexterity, forms a key element of the rehabilitation process.
Hayley continued: ‘The injured personnel can undertake design style projects such as woodwork and metal work, including making the famous metal poppies and there’s even a donated car in situ which they can work on.’
Research is vitally important to the military, none more so than in the medical field. Dr Russ Coppack, Head of Research at the Centre gave an overview of the various research projects being undertaken, including a twenty-year study into mental health in the military.
The afternoon brought tours of neuro, complex trauma and the nursing ward, led by an ERI
Lynsey said:
‘The nursing ward was completely adapted to the types of patients being admitted, with built in hoists to aid the patients to get around, enabling movement from bed to shower and toilet facilities; so giving them that extra element of independence.
‘We heard about the different types of neurological conditions that they deal with and saw the assessment and rehabilitation rooms. Regaining independence is very much part of the rehabilitation process; they even have a small kitchen to re-educate patients and help prepare them for certain aspects of civilian life, once discharged from the military. It is very much about confidence and quality of life going forwards. We also visited the complex trauma area learning about the different pathologies they see and the work they do with them.’
‘The day finished with a discussion about the ERI roles and opportunities available. There are currently 55 ERI MOD posts across the country with 9 more based at DMRC.’
For Hayley, the day reflected huge potential for Society Members. She said:
‘A truly fantastic day! I feel privileged to have witnessed not only the world class facilities but how the day showcased a real MDT ethos and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The role of ‘Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor’ is an incredible opportunity in which our members can play a key part in the rehabilitation of injured military personnel.’
Lynsey concluded:
‘As a long- standing Member of the Society I am delighted to see job opportunities like this opening up. The learning opportunities here are immense and it just further highlights the positive regard in which Society Members are held.’
‘This is undoubtedly a great collaboration and The SST is looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership.’
Many thanks to Lynsey and Hayley and a special thanks to Hayley for some super photos!
Dates for Your Diary
If this chat whetted your appetite, there are two further Insight Days at DMRC:
6th June 2023
12th September 2023
Places are limited so if you are interested and serious about working in this arena, email: Admin@thesst.org with your contact details and what you are currently doing work or study wise.
