Derbyshire Police Federation

Inspector’s praise for Police Treatment Centres

30 December 2024

An inspector has heaped praise on the ‘amazing’ care received from the Police Treatment Centres (PTC).

Amerjit (Amer) Thandi says he fully appreciates the importance of staying on top of your health as a police officer after spending three ‘invaluable weeks’ at the PTC’s Harrogate centre, which provides bespoke support to serving and retired cops. 

Having picked up a shoulder problem through exercising in the gym, Amer initially hoped the injury would eventually heal through rest. However, it became apparent he had a long-term issue that was not going to go away without treatment.

He applied for an occupational health referral through the Force and also went down the NHS route, only to find delays and complications with both.

 

Amerjit (Amer) Thandi.

 

Amer then explored what the PTC offered, although he doubted his eligibility due to sustaining the injury outside of his Force duties. 

“It was a stressful time. I had gone on for a few months with the injury but it wasn’t getting any better and was starting to impact me operationally,” Amer said.

“I looked at different avenues to resolve it, but nothing was really forthcoming in terms of help I could get straightaway or in the near future.”

Residential stay

Having regularly contributed towards the PTC throughout his 22-year career, Amer contacted the PTC, which led to a two-week residential stay at the Harrogate-based charity in 2022.

He immediately began daily appointments with his physiotherapist, who determined he had damaged his rotator cuff. 

Amer, 54, also enjoyed the PTC gym classes, including Pilates, yoga and hydrotherapy, which he credits for providing an instant improvement to his shoulder. 

He continued: “I was taken aback by the attention paid to me by staff. After I was booked, I was directed to the in-house nurse, and so much time was taken to really listen to me and understand the problem.” 

For Amer, he admits the second week was ‘a lot more chilled’.

“When you go somewhere new, you want to try out all the facilities on offer but once I’d done all that, I took the opportunity to unwind,” he said.

“You’re staying in a lovely room in what could pass as a stately home, with amazing views of greenery and a lake. Physically, I needed to get my shoulder sorted, but I didn’t realise how I would benefit from some mental therapeutic time, too.” 

Recovery

Not completely satisfied with the progress of his injury, staff invited Amer back for a further week once they had capacity.

Amer completed this extra stint just over a month later, in January 2023, and came away firmly on the road to recovery. Another month on, he says his shoulder was essentially free from any pain or discomfort. 

Now, he is encouraging fellow Fed members to take advantage of the charity – and reminding them that the only way of doing so is by paying into it each month.

“Even after I had left for good, my physio told me to keep in touch, in case my shoulder gave me any more trouble further down the line,” he explained. 

“I cannot recommend the PTC highly enough. I would urge every single officer to pay into it. Once you do that, don’t be afraid to reach out to them as soon as you have any serious concerns with your health.
Amer also urged police officers everywhere to look after themselves, both physically and mentally: “The public will never realise everything we put ourselves through, and everything we see and do for their safety. 

“Whatever kind of help we might need, from whatever organisation, we deserve it and we owe it to ourselves to seek it.”

READ MORE: Fred's fundraising success for mental health charity.

Calendar

February 2025
M T W T F S S