Coordinating the medical care of over a thousand sportspeople, and several thousand members of the public, is no easy task. But ISEH consultant Dr Ade Adejuwon, who has been appointed Chief Medical Officer for the Sevens and the City festival being held in North London in July, is looking forward to the challenge. “My role involves organising the medical care for all the sporting events: rugby sevens, netball and X-Fit, a popular team fitness challenge; as well as catering to spectators’ medical needs. For the sports teams, this includes coordinating qualified pitchside doctors, physiotherapists and massage therapists to care for players before, during and after play. For the elite games, staff are likely to have been trained to work at Premiership rugby level.”
With over a thousand sportspeople, and around 3,000 spectators, expected to be on the site at any one time there is always the chance, however slim, of a more serious medical incident occurring. “We are liaising with local emergency services to ensure smooth operation on the day”, said Dr Adejuwon, “and hoping to establish an acute medical unit (AMU) on-site”.
Sevens and the City is the brainchild of Saracens’ rugby players Matt Stevens and David Strettle, who saw the advantages of hosting an event at Saracens’ Allianz Park stadium: its artificial pitch withstands intensive activity (and, if needed, adverse weather) better than natural turf. A day-long festival of sport and music will see elite and social sports teams rub shoulders. English, Welsh, Scottish and Kenyan international rugby teams will be in action: for rugby fans, this will be the last chance to see these teams play before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Women’s netball is also taking place, with tournaments for both social and higher-level teams, some of which will feature national players. Grass-roots sports teams are also participating in the festival, with ‘social sevens’ rugby taking place at neighbouring Mill Hill and Hendon rugby clubs.
As well as sport, spectators and participating teams will be able to enjoy live music, DJs and other entertainment, with an ‘Athletes Village’ on-site, team cabanas and pitch-side hot tubs
To help provide medical support to the various sports teams on the day, Dr Adejuwon is looking for suitably trained and qualified volunteer doctors and physiotherapists with an interest in sports medicine. In exchange for a shift, volunteers will gain free admission to the festival. Anyone applying must hold a current General Medical Council (GMC) or Health Professions Council (HPC) registration; an up-to-date pitch side care accreditation such as the RFU Immediate Care in Sport (ICIS) is desirable but not compulsory. “We would love to have as many qualified local volunteers as possible involved”, said Dr Adejuwon. “As well as being part of a great day out, volunteering will give people significant experience of being involved in a major sports event and provide an opportunity to network with fellow professionals.”
ISEH is delighted to support Dr Adejuwon and his team in the provision of the medical services on what is sure to be an amazing day!
If you are interested in a medical volunteer role, please contact info@sevensandthecity.com
Sevens and the City is being held at Allianz Park, Hendon on Saturday 12 July. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.sevensandthecity.com