An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir July/August 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie 38 | by SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PHotoS by SGT MICK BURKE AND ARMN ADAM MURPHY D efence Forces Physiotherapy is a new service comprising six Chartered Physiotherapists attached to the Central Medical Unit (CMU). the new service is the culmination of 10 years of work that began with a review process which re- sulted in the publication of the Medical Services Review (2009). this recommended the employment of military-specialised Chartered Physiotherapists. The mission statement of the new service says: Defence Forces Physiotherapy is committed to providing clinical excellence in pro- moting the physical health and well-being of all Defence Forces personnel through integrated clinical practice, education, research and innovation. DF Physiotherapy became operational in late-June this year and will provide a full and effective physiotherapy service to Defence Forces personnel to rehabilitate them back to robust physical health following injury. A referral is needed from your Medical Officer or GP in order to attend DF Physiotherapy. DF Physiotherapy will involve detailed assessment and diag- nosis of your injury. Your treatment will be prioritised in terms of your needs. This means that those requiring higher levels of care will be facilitated most. Treatment rooms have been designed and equipped with physical exercise and movement rehabilita- tion in mind. A treatment plan will be agreed and a rehabilita- tion programme will be provided to undertake with your Unit PTI in the gym. There will also be opportunities to take part in reha- bilitation classes in some loca- tions. DF Physio- therapy will also provide pre- screen- ing to certain groups to provide indi- vidual pre-habilitation programmes so that personnel can prevent injury occurring. The DF Senior Physiotherapist, Eimear Ní Fhallúin, began plan- ning the service from September 2015, and the new DF Physio- therapy team have just begun. The members of DF Physiothera- py are Chartered Physiotherapists: Kevin O'Connor, Rob McCabe, Jason Sherlock, Sinead Langford and Marie Murphy. DF Physiotherapy HQ is attached to CMU and is located at the Central Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) in St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin. Both Eimear Ní Fhallúin and Sinéad Langford are the Physiotherapists in-charge of running the CRU. The CRU will provide service to McKee Bks, Cathal Brugha Bks, Aiken Bks, Casement Aerodrome, TIS Gormanston and TIS Kilbride. Jason Sherlock and Rob McCabe are the Physiotherapists in- charge of running the DFTC Primary Physiotherapy Centre (PPC). This PPC will provide service to DFHQ, Stephens Bks and TIS Coolmoney also. Kevin O'Connor is the Physiotherapist in-charge of running the Custume Barracks PPC. This PPC will provide service to Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa and Finner Camp. Marie Murphy is the Physiotherapist in-charge of running the Collins Barracks PPC. This PPC will provide service to Sarsfield Bks, Haulbowline Naval Base and Kilworth Camp also. If you need any further details, there is some useful informa- tion on the DF Physiotherapy IKON page including: Tips Before You Attend DF Physiotherapy, DF Physiotherapy Structure and Service, DF Physiotherapy Patient Charter. *Stats based on recent figures 2015-2016

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