IN THE WORKPLACE The INNER WORKINGS of the
ROYAL CENTRE for DEFENCE MEDICINE’S Clinical Unit
by Squadron Leader Chris Stagles
“Working at RCDM can be rewarding, draining and devastating in roughly equal measure…”
T
he Royal Centre for Defence Medicine’s Clinical Unit (RCDM) is the hospital unit often in the public eye as
it delivers vital treatment to injured Service personnel, on behalf of an indebted Nation. However, the unit still carries mystique within the wider Service community, and the variety and scope of the jobs carried out by RAF personnel, from many trades, is not widely known.
RCDM is a truly joint and combined unit, working in partnership with the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and a number of other NHS hospitals in the Birmingham area. There remains a strong military component and the unit currently employs around 400 uniformed personnel, 130 from the RAF, with rank levels from SAC through to Group Captain.
The Centre for Defence Medicine was opened in 2001 and became the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in 2002, primarily as the Defence Medical Services’ hub for excellence in research. Since the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the role of the unit has evolved and now RCDM is the primary receiving unit for all military patients that are injured overseas.
In addition to operational casualties we also accept non-operational casualties from around the world and routine military referrals from the West Midlands Region. Since Jun 10 all military patients are treated in the spectacular new Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This carefully designed and built teaching hospital has over 1200 beds and up to 100 critical care beds which makes it the largest in Europe. The last military headquarters staff re-located from the old Selly-Oak site in Nov 11.
36 Envoy Summer 2012
The combined experience of the tri-Service military medical staff and the civilian doctors, nurses and allied health professionals means we strive to deliver the best care in the country. The hospital is at the leading edge in the management of trauma injuries and the experiences gained by our staff, working in this busy acute care environment, provides the ideal training required for operations in Afghanistan and also drives improved practice across the whole NHS.
Though our departments may be diverse, all our efforts are focused on supporting our patients, and their immediate family throughout their treatment in Birmingham. As well as the clinical needs, RCDM offers a bespoke service for patients’ administrative and welfare requirements. The Military Patient Admin Cell (MPAC) raise all signals and work closely with the Joint Casualty & Compassionate Cell.
The aeromedical department plan the transit and arrival of casualties from across the globe. Military Liaison Officers, including those drawn from the RAF Regiment, provide the vital link between RCDM, the family and the patient’s home unit. Free accommodation is provided for family members of injured Service personnel, who travel from all corners of the UK and abroad, in the SSAFA-run Norton House and local hotels. This capability is set to be enhanced by the announcement of Fisher House, a purpose-built deluxe 18 room facility which will be built on-site entirely funded through charity money.
Working at RCDM can be rewarding, draining and devastating in roughly equal measure, and is akin to being on operational deployment for your entire assignment. But everyone at the unit is immensely proud of the incredible outcomes and inspirational
stories that our injured Service personnel are part of.
Sgt Catherine Wheeler, Aeromedical evacuation ground handler “The Aeromed role at RCDM is diverse and links in with many other areas of the Defence Medical Services. The department is run by 10 RAF Medics from Cpl to FS. The main job is ensuring patients are delivered safely to the most appropriate care for their injury or illness sustained whilst overseas. This involves speaking with personnel within the NHS and military, which at times proves challenging,
along with unpredictable hours. During my time here I have seen a completely different side to the Medical Services which is unique to RCDM Birmingham”.
Gp Capt Ian Sargeant, Trauma and Orthopaedics Consultant “My role at RCDM is as one of the 12
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