As the end of another year approaches, our Clinical Services can again reflect on a job well done in treating and helping hundreds of Serving and Retired Police Officers. However, we never stop looking to the future and we are currently looking at new ways to assist all of                      our donors with several new innovations coming online in 2023.

October brought an end to the final Covid related restrictions in place from the UK Government and the NHS guidelines changed to mean that the need for wearing face masks in the Physiotherapy department could be lifted. We are still very mindful of the need to maintain a safe environment for all but it does feel as though we are truly back to normal in terms of clinical operations.

A key part of my role is to analyse the attendance statistics for the Charity and plan our Clinical Services accordingly. One thing that has become increasingly noticeable is that the majority of Officers who attend for Physiotherapy, tend to be in the later years of their service. There can be several reasons for this. Age in itself can take its toll and things we shake off when we are younger require more input as we age (as I well know!). But also, an all too familiar reflection from Officers who attend is that they really wished they had come for physiotherapy at an earlier time in their careers. Earlier intervention may well have prevented things progressing or sometimes Officers didn’t realise we can assist with things that are potentially seen as less serious but can still be preventing people from being their best selves. I would strongly suggest that if you are ever in any doubt, just get in contact with our Physiotherapy teams and they will advise as to whether admission would be helpful. We are here to help you whenever you need it so don’t put off applying for physiotherapy, it may just prolong your career!

We also understand that for some, a two week period away from home may be difficult. If a one week stay for treatment better fits your personal circumstances rather than a full two week admission, just let us know when applying and we will be happy to discuss how                               we can best accommodate you.

In addition to assisting Serving Officers, we are also here to support you once you reach retirement. From 2023, we will be introducing a new Wellbeing Programme specifically for Retired Officers.The programme is aimed at those with a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate anxiety or depression. I do hope it will build on the excellent results of our Psychological Wellbeing Programme for Serving Officers.

We are also planning on introducing some exciting new programmes that can be delivered online. These will be particularly helpful for those who cannot travel to the Centres. Our media channels will be keep you updated so keep an eye out for these.  Overall, the Clinical Services are going from strength to strength. Our full package of different treatment programmes are available to help you during and after your service.

As autumn sets in and winter looms, stay safe out there and remember that The Police Treatment Centres are here for you.

Mark Oxley, Head of Clinical Services

 

 

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