Assault course for hospital bosses
It’s not every day you see a hospital Chief Executive and a Consultant battle it out head to head in a military command task, while blind-folded, in front of staff and patients.
It happened at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital when a field was transformed into a challenging assault course.
Mr Mark Brandreth, Chief Executive, and Mr Joy Chowdhury, Spinal Injuries Consultant and Clinical Lead on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries jumped through hoops, quite literally to raise awareness of Reserves Day and the contribution NHS personnel make to the Armed Forces.
Reserves Day is an annual event, when Reserves swap their regular work uniforms for their military clothing to raise the profile of their voluntary service roles.
Staff and patients gathered round the hospital field to watch the two be tested on their agility, teamwork and communication skills – guided by a partner, blind-folded, through the course – while also being distracted and heckled by their colleagues.
There was also a group command task, where staff worked together to decode a puzzle, demonstrating perseverance and teamwork.
Mr Brandreth said three members of staff serve with Army Reserves 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital: Rebecca Warren, Ward Manager of MCSI; Maggie Durrant, Service Improvement Facilitator; and the newest staff Reservist, Louis McDonald, Project Manager.
Rebecca, a Staff Sergeant in the reserves, thought up the idea of the assault course.
“I thought it would be a memorable way to mark Reserves Day and raise awareness of some of the skills required to be a Reservist.
“It was great fun for the staff and our patients who watched it. How often do you see a Chief Executive and a Consultant take part in an assault course, while blind-folded.
“They were both brilliant sports with Mr Chowdhury coming out the winner.”
Rebecca said she her army skills were crucial to her day job.
“The leadership skills in particular, have proved invaluable to me in my role as Ward Manager for our spinal injuries centre.
“I saw active service in Afghanistan in 2009 and that made me a different person – more confident, resilient and determined. It is definitely something I would recommend to any of my colleagues.”
Louis, who donned his military uniform to announce his new role as a Reservist, said he’s looking forward to the challenges it will bring.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve had at RJAH in being able to pursue my new Reservist role, alongside my NHS career. The hospital will benefit from the skills I will develop in my new role, as I’m sure I’ll be able to put these to use in my day-to-day role.”
