PLEASE NOTE THAT NO DONATIONS SHOULD/CAN BE MADE THROUGH SUZIE GIBB AND ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE SENT STRAIGHT TO HEADLEY COURT, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS PAGE FOR A LINK TO THE CHARITIES SITE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, THE FIRST HALF OF THIS PAGE IS AN IDENTICAL TYPE UP OF THE HEADLEY COURT WEB PAGE. ALL CHEQUES TO BE MADE PAYABLE TO SFA FUND
CONTACT HEADLEY COURT DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER - 01372 378 271
DMRC HEADLEY COURT
(Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit)
The crest of the DMRC consists of a serpent contricting a sword that runs through a pair of shakles. The shackles represent injury. The sword is breaking the schakles of injury with the aid of medical profession represented by the contricting serpent. The motto "Per Mutos" is the latin word for mutual effort that is required to break the shackles of injury.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide clinical reabilitation, training and personnel for the operational role and research in order to achieve optimal levels of health and fitness.
THE HISTORY OF HEADLEY COURT
Located in the southern slopes of Epsom Downs and the one time home of The First Baron Cunliffe - formerly Govenor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the London and North Eastern Railway Company. Headley Eastern Railway Company. Headley Court was purchased by the Institute of Chartered Auctioneers and Estate to The Royal Air Force thro' the Air Ministry in 1946 to commemorate the Battle of Britain. During the war years Headley Court was the headquarters of The First Canadian Army firstly under the General McNaughton and later under General Crerar. Soon after the war it became the rehabilitation centre for pilots and aircrew who had been injured during the war. Its role has changed somewhat and it is now functional to all three services in the rehibilitation of serving personnel who are undergoing recovery from injury or illness.
DMRC is undergoing further changes to ensure that rehabilitation is carried out earlier in the treatment cycle. Treatment of amputees and polytrauma patients are now a major part of the DRMC contribution to military healthcare.
DMRC ORGANISATION
Headley Court albiet a part of the Defence Medical Education and Training angency still remains under the administrative umbrella of The Royal Air Force however, the command of the unit can be either Army or RAF on a rotational basis. Within the structure of DMRC are medical & rehabilitation divisions that cater for the needs of patients, a training and research element to improve military rehabilitaion needs and a support devision that is solely responsible for the smooth running of the unit.
For further information contact DMRC Headley Court, Headley, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 6PF
Further information about this wonderful warm hearted charity taken from the leaflets and info sheets that can be obtained by contacting them directly at the above link or telephone number at the top of this page and below is a list of help that Headley Court can provide for you. Following the page down, you will be given information on each programme.
Patient Services Squadron (PSS)
Rehabilitation Squadron Workshops (RSW)
Group Therapy Department (GTD)
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy
Physiotherapy Department
Occupational Therapy Department
Social Work
Nursing
Patients Services Squadron (PSS)
The Mission Statement of Patient Services Squadron is to provide effective and timely administration/medical support to the clinical staff and patients at Headley Court. The PSS has a mixture of civilian and military staff from all 3 services who aim to support patients administratively during their stay at Headley Court. The Department is divided into various Sections such as :-
Patient Administration :-
Patient Administration staff are the patients point of of contact for any administration enquires they may have during their stay at Headley Court regarding Pay, leave, claims ect... They also book all NON-ward accommodation and manage the patient welfare houses.
Admissions And Discharges :-
The Admissions And Discharges staff are responsible for booking all admissions to Headley Court and arranging discharge procedures and for ensuring all relevant medical notes are available and supervise the Consultancy Suite. This section also includes the Regional Rehabilitation Unit for London & overseas and Neurological team administrative support.
Outpatients :-
The Outpatients staff arrange all outpatients clinics and appointments and also ensure that all patient medical notes are available to the clinicians, book any scans required and arrange any follow up appointments.
Medical Centre :-
A civilian General Practitioner (GP) is available between 11:00 - 12:30 during the working week and out of hours cover is provided by a local primary care trust. The medical centre provides a primary care service for Headley Court staff and patients. There is also a pharmacy and medical stores to support patients.
Other PSS Sections :-
PSS is managed by the Officer Commanding Patient Services Squadron, and the Medical Records Officer. PSS also consists of the typing pool, the Personal Assistants to the Consultants and an archive for patients medical notes.
Rehabilitation Squadron Workshops (RSW)
The Mission Statement of the RSW is to provide patients with high quality prosthetics, orthosis and other medical care devices quickly, accurately, and economically in support of the Headley Court mission.
The RSW Service :-
RSW is in essence a normal workshop unit which, over time, has learnt to specialize in the manufacture of a wide range of medical devices required to aid the rehabilitation of patients at Headley Court. The staff personnel undergo extensive training to become rehabilitation technicians.
The Amputee Service :-
RSW offer a complete service for military amputees. The service is headed by Prosthetists and supported by technicians. The ethos of the service is to provide the most suitable prosthetic equipment at the earliest opportunity to achieve the best clinical outcome.
Orthotics :-
RSW manufacture a large number of foot orthosis on behalf of the Physiotherapy department. These can range from off the shelf orthitics modified for a patient, to a rigid orthotic which is produced from a direct cast of the patients foot with a thermo vacuum formed shell with a textile upper. All of these orthotics are designed to assist in the correction of the patients walking gait to reduce discomfort and pain.
Lumbar Supports :-
RSW are able to take a direct cast of the patients lumbar region in its ideal postural position and then manufacture a rigid lumbar support tailored to the patients needs. Additionally, there are many different types lumbar device on offer including, bean bags, lumbar and seating cushions and neck cushions all of which are made to suit the patients needs.
Footware Modifications :-
For personnel with leg length discrepancy a raise is manufactured from a specialist hard foam, which can be inserted into footwear. If this proves to be effective, a more permanent device can be added to military footwear.
Group Therapy Department (GTD)
The aim of the service provided by Headley Court is to accelerate the rehabilitation process and return injured servicemen and woman back to their primary role as quickly as possible. This goal is encapsulated by the role of the GTD.
What is Group Therapy? :-
GTD consists of "core" and supplemental groups. Each group is composed of patients suffering similar musculo-skeletal disabilities including spinal, lower-limb and upper-limb injuries. All groups complete a varied daily programme of five hours exercised-based activity that includes: Class therapy, hydrotherapy, postural re-education, walking/running Gait re-education, recreational therapy, and individually tailored treatment programmes, and is supervised by Services Remedial Instructor (RI), who are qualified Physical training instructors from all three branches of the Armed Forces who have undertaken further specialist training at the Joint Services School of Remedial Instructors (JSSRI), also located at Headley Court.
The Group Therapy Programme :-
The GTD rehabilitation program centres on three layers of treatment. The "Early" stage involves a very specific prescription of exercise, tailored to the patients particular needs. At the "Intermediate" stage there is a progression towards a more functional approach to treatment, improving confidence with the patients injury and general physical conditioning within the patients limitations. The final stage (or "late" stage) which is the ceiling of exercise-based rehabilitation at Headley Court, and prepares the patient for the physical demands of a military role.
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy
What does Cognitive mean? :-
This term encompasses all those skills used in learning and thinking, which enable us to make sense of the world. These skills include, arousal, concentration, ability to ignore distractions, learning, memory, visual processing, speed of thinking, planning, self-monitoring, goal setting, initiation and self awareness. Cognitive deficits overshadow physical deficits as the cause of difficulties in social adaptation, independent living, family life and vocational endeavours. Without appropriate intervention, cognitive deficits can lead to frustration, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.
What is Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)? :-
CRT is provided at Headley Court by specialist occupational therapists, it focuses on the regaining of those cognitive skills which are lost or altered as a result of neurological trauma or illness. The aim of treatment is to improve the patients abilities in everyday life situations. The process includes gaining skills through direct retraining, learning to use compensatory strategies and education about cognitive skills.
What is Communication? :-
Communication is the passing of information between two or more people. It can be verbal, non-verbal or written. People who have difficulties with communication are at risk of feeling socially isolated, misunderstood, or may be perceived by others as having poor intellect. Headley Court CRT also work with patients who have problems regarding eating and drinking difficulties due to swallowing deficits, as well as Speech and Language therapists. Which help with ;- Aphasia, Social Disorders, Dysarthria, Dysphagia, Dysphonia, Dyspraxia ect...
Physiotherapy Department
Background :-
A team of military and civilian physiotherapists are employed at DMRC Headley Court. They provide treatment for service men and women attending with musculoskeletal, complex trauma and neurological injuries. Excellent standards of treatment are maintained through continuing professional development and audit, ensuring that Headley Court remains abreast of the current treatment concepts in delivering an optimal clinical service.
Initial Assessment :-
Patients will normally be referred to Headley Court through a Multi disciplinary Injury Assessment Clinic (MIAC) or directly from RCDM Selly Oak Hospital Birmingham. On arrival, each patient will be taken through a comprehensive assessment. As well as taking a history of the patients current problems and the treatment they have received to date, the physiotherapist will fully assess, analysing the cause of the symptoms and then develop a problem list on which to focus treatment. Following this a specific and patient centred treatment plan including long and short term goals together with a thorough self management plan will be developed.
Treatments :-
Treatments typically take place on a one to one basis. Core skills utilised include manual therapies such as mobilisation, manipulation, soft and deep tissue massage, scar tissue mobilisation, provision of orthotics, movement dysfunction analysis, correction of muscle imbalances, stretches, exercise therapy and progressions, acupuncture and a number of electrotherapy modalities.
Discharge :-
On discharge the physiotherapist will make up part of the rehabilitation team that will discuss, advise and arrange a continuing care package for each individual patient. They will also decide if another admission to Headley Court would be beneficial. Alternatively they may decide that it is more suitable to refer the patient for treatment from a Regional Rehabilitation Unit (RRU) or a Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility (PCRF) in the locality of the patients Unit.
Occupational Therapy Department
Occupational Therapists believe that the occupations you perform describe who you are and how you feel about yourself. If you are unable to do things you want or need to do as a result of a temporary or permanent disability, your quality of life is affected. Occupational Therapy is therefore about enabling people who have suffered an illness or disability, to be as independent as possible in their chosen occupations, be it self-care, work or leisure. The Occupational Therapists at Headley Court offer the following services :-
Education and Practical Advice :-
Education about the nature of the patients illness or injury and how to deal with its effects on their everyday lives. Advice is given on areas such as work, personal care and leisure activities.
Activities of Daily Living :-
Assessment and treatment of problems in daily living including personal care, laundry and preparing meals. This may involve home visits to advise on equipment or adaptations that are required to improve safety and aid independent living.
Provision of Equipment :-
Assessment for, and provision of, specialised equipment to solve the problems of a temporary or permanent disability e.g. lumbar supports, adapted cutlery, bath boards, pressure garments, wheelchairs and cushions.
Community Living Skills :-
Assessment and training in community living skills such as travelling on public transport, shopping and accessing local community facilities. Driving assessments can be arranged and advice is provided on equipment and adaptations to enable individuals to return to driving.
Emotional Support :-
Practical support and teaching of coping strategies to help patients adjust to their limitations, and explore their worries and concerns regarding their disability.
Physical Treatment :-
Purposeful graded activities are used to improve strength, range of movement and sitting and standing tolerances.
Cognitive Rehabilitation :-
Assessment and treatment of the functional impact of cognitive problems such as memory, concentration and speed of thinking.
Work Skills :-
Assessment of work skills and provision of advice on strategies and adaptations that can be implemented to improve work retention. Through a graded programme of work hardening, individuals are gradually introduced back to their trade. If they are unable to work, recommendations are made regarding future employment, training or rehabilitation.
Social Work
Key to the profession of Social Work is the recognition that an individual's rights should be respected and that a persons views should be heard. In order to do this a Social Worker may often act as an advocate (i.e. helping an individual to decide and state what their own needs are), and advise on resources or facilities available so that appropriate choices can be taken at a time when difficult decisions may have to be made.
What Does A Social Worker Do At Headley Court :-
Specialist Medical Social Workers at Headley Court have expertise in health related issues that individuals or families may be experiencing following trauma or illness. They provide advice and support to the multidisciplinary team to aid the successful rehabilitation of injured Service personnel, offering the following services :
Assessment And Counselling :-
The Social Worker will assess the likely difficulties that may arise as a result of the injury received, and guide the patient and their family along the process of adjustment, providing support, and assisting the individual and his/her relative to plan for changes that may occur in the future, The Social Worker is also available to provide confidential, professional help and advice on other personal and family matters.
Care And Discharge Planning :-
The Social Workers are responsible for planning and implementing a discharge care plan, where required, for a patient leaving Headley Court. They work closely with the team, the patient, their family and outside agencies to co-ordinate a package of care that meets the needs of the patient. This often involves liasing with Health Authorities, Social Services, and other external organisations to negotiate the appropriate level of support for the individual.
Provision Of Resources :-
The Social Workers can provide information about resources such as care facilities, resettlement, retraining opportunities, housing, welfare benefits, access to legal advice, specialist holidays, sports and leisure activities. Introductions to other agencies e.g. The Royal British Legion, St Dunstans, SSAFA, Headway, and many others can be made. Help with obtaining grants from benevolent funds can be considered and support and accommodation made available for visiting families.
Advocacy :-
When needed the Social Workers will represent the patient of families view at clinical meetings and advise on difficult choices that may need to be considered for the future. Advocacy may also be required with outside agencies such as Housing Departments or the Department of Works and Pensions in relation to welfare benefits. A regular legal clinic is held at Headley Court where patients may obtain advice from a specialist Personal Injury Lawyer.
Resettlement :-
When a patient has to consider leaving the military as a result of their injuries the Social Worker, in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist, will guide and advise them on the alternative opportunities for retraining and provide access to the Military Resettlement Officers who visit Headley Court weekly. Vocational assessment can be arranged and patients will be assisted, if necessary, to apply to appropriate retraining colleges.
