PSNI Recruitment - Stage 4 - The Medical

squirrel81

Rang this afternoon, know a girl who rang up last week to ask and was told there and then that she had passed vetting. Must depend on whoever answers your phonecall.

MrFug

Well I was right to worry, got word today that I hadn't me the standard required. :mad:

It was based on the fact that I took happy pills once upon a time. I spoke to a consultant neurologist (not his field of course - just a friend) who advised me on a few things. He told me to get evidence in writing from a doctor who had input into my care and a psychiatrist who could confirm that the issues were no longer pertinent. He reckons that OH&W have no legal grounds to refuse once you provide evidence from the relevant people to say that your fine and dandy.

How does one go about getting a private consultation? Do I go see my doctor? Or contact a private clinic directly?

Advise would be much appreciated.

P.S I never even had an actual anxiety disorder! I was prescribed happy pills to alleviate some anxiousness connected to a GI issue that has long been resolved. Yet the grounds for refusal were anxiety. Strange. :mad:

MrsGeneHunt

MrFug wrote: »

Well I was right to worry, got word today that I hadn't me the standard required. :mad:

It was based on the fact that I took happy pills once upon a time. I spoke to a consultant neurologist (not his field of course - just a friend) who advised me on a few things. He told me to get evidence in writing from a doctor who had input into my care and a psychiatrist who could confirm that the issues were no longer pertinent. He reckons that OH&W have no legal grounds to refuse once you provide evidence from the relevant people to say that your fine and dandy.

How does one go about getting a private consultation? Do I go see my doctor? Or contact a private clinic directly?

Advise would be much appreciated.

P.S I never even had an actual anxiety disorder! I was prescribed happy pills to alleviate some anxiousness connected to a GI issue that has long been resolved. Yet the grounds for refusal were anxiety. Strange. :mad:

Mate, I am so sorry to hear that. How long did you take pills for? Get all the backup and advice you can and fight it.

The reason I ask, its a selfish note, I am now very worried in case I get called for a medical. ( not likely but we live in hope) After the breakup of my marriage after thirteen and a half years I had to go see the doctor because I wasnt sleeping and it was affecting my daily life. She prescribed me a three week course of prozac along with some sleeping tablets. I never took them and I went back and told her this, just seeing her made me realise I was human and just upset. She put on my notes that I never took them and I had coped very well on my own. It was only one prescription for three weeks worth of pills.

Would I fail a medical because of this????:(

MrFug

Hey MGH,

I don't even think they would expect you to declare that. I know I wouldn't. They're looking for long-term usage that indicates a problem that would affect your performance in the job.

Although as I just found out today, they don't seem to want to examine each case individually on its merits. They saw the word 'anti-depressants' on my MHQ and it seemed to immediatley get the big red stamp.

To be fair I took them for a good few years, but to reiterate, it was not for depression or an anxiety disorder per se. I am angry because:

1) There was no clinical diagnosis of anxiety from a Psychiatrist or CPN, yet they rejected me on that basis.

2) My doctor did not tell me that by accepting the prescription of anti-depressants OR at any time during the medication reviews that taking them would be a career threatening choice. For example, Doctor's must disclose to patients who suffer from epilepsy that certain drugs will affect their careers.

MrsGeneHunt

MrFug wrote: »

Hey MGH,

I don't even think they would expect you to declare that. I know I wouldn't. They're looking for long-term usage that indicates a problem that would affect your performance in the job.

Although as I just found out today, they don't seem to want to examine each case individually on its merits. They saw the word 'anti-depressants' on my MHQ and it seemed to immediatley get the big red stamp.

To be fair I took them for a good few years, but to reiterate, it was not for depression or an anxiety disorder per se. I am angry because:

1) There was no clinical diagnosis of anxiety from a Psychiatrist or CPN, yet they rejected me on that basis.

2) My doctor did not tell me that by accepting the prescription of anti-depressants OR at any time during the medication reviews that taking them would be a career threatening choice. For example, Doctor's must disclose to patients who suffer from epilepsy that certain drugs will affect their careers.

Get as much on paper from professionals as you can and fight it all the way.

As for not declaring my prescription, didnt think that was an option? Surely you have to put everything down and doesnt your doctor have to sign it off? I've never saw an MHQ so have no clue how detailed it is or isnt.
It was just one blip on my part, but slightly concerned now.

Best of luck to you, let us know how you fare.

squirrel81

Mr Fug, your best option is getting your GPs backing and making an appointment with a professional psychiatrist to declare your fitness for the role. This will prob set you back around £300. A mate of mine was in a successfully appealed in a similar situation (albeit the medical was not for the PSNI, but a strict forces recruitment process nonetheless). I recall on these boards someone else writing how they went through the same channels after being failed, but he appealed and passed.

Really tough news pal, hope it works out. Just does not seem fair

downboy

MrsGeneHunt wrote: »

Get as much on paper from professionals as you can and fight it all the way.

As for not declaring my prescription, didnt think that was an option? Surely you have to put everything down and doesnt your doctor have to sign it off? I've never saw an MHQ so have no clue how detailed it is or isnt.
It was just one blip on my part, but slightly concerned now.

Best of luck to you, let us know how you fare.

I would read the wording on the medical questionnaire carefully when you get it (when not if! positive thinking...) If it says 'have you ever taken antidepressants?' then the truthful answer would be no. If it says 'have you ever been prescribed antidepressants?' then i guess the answer would be yes but there's normally a box beside to give an explanation, and maybe you could get your doctor to add a note to confirm this.

MrsGeneHunt

downboy wrote: »

I would read the wording on the medical questionnaire carefully when you get it (when not if! positive thinking...) If it says 'have you ever taken antidepressants?' then the truthful answer would be no. If it says 'have you ever been prescribed antidepressants?' then i guess the answer would be yes but there's normally a box beside to give an explanation, and maybe you could get your doctor to add a note to confirm this.

First off thanks for the positive thinking, its in short supply round these here parts at the moment!!!!

Like you say it depends on the wording though I really wouldnt be untruthful. That stuff always comes round to bite you on the ass.

Think I would just trust what my doctor says and ask her advice, when:rolleyes: or if :rolleyes: I ever get one to fill in!

pb999

MrFug wrote: »

Well I was right to worry, got word today that I hadn't me the standard required. :mad:

It was based on the fact that I took happy pills once upon a time. I spoke to a consultant neurologist (not his field of course - just a friend) who advised me on a few things. He told me to get evidence in writing from a doctor who had input into my care and a psychiatrist who could confirm that the issues were no longer pertinent. He reckons that OH&W have no legal grounds to refuse once you provide evidence from the relevant people to say that your fine and dandy.

How does one go about getting a private consultation? Do I go see my doctor? Or contact a private clinic directly?

Advise would be much appreciated.

P.S I never even had an actual anxiety disorder! I was prescribed happy pills to alleviate some anxiousness connected to a GI issue that has long been resolved. Yet the grounds for refusal were anxiety. Strange. :mad:

mate its all about specialist knowledge, the OHW docs are basically GP's so they will not have the specialised knowledge that a psychiatrist or psychologist or whatever you need to go to would have, you need to get the all clear from someone who is a proven specialist in their field, not just your gp, tho a backup note from your gp along with the specialist will do no harm. i'm in the medical appeals process atm myself for a sports injury and am using a consultant, a physio and my gp! its a bollocks and expensive, but if its what you want then its necessary.

MrFug

Thanks guys for the words of encouragement.

MrsGeneHunt: The MHQ doesn't even ask if you've ever been prescribed anti-depressants. It asks if you've ever suffered from Depression or Anxiety Disorder (among other nasty mental ailments). You were never diagnosed with either from what your saying. You were prescribed pills to help you during a rough time in your life. Hardly a clinical diagnosis of depression. Everyone goes through those at some point and the OH&W docs appreciate that. You would actually have to go out of your way to declare it! Such is how the MHQ is laid out.

MrsGeneHunt

MrFug wrote: »

Thanks guys for the words of encouragement.

MrsGeneHunt: The MHQ doesn't even ask if you've ever been prescribed anti-depressants. It asks if you've ever suffered from Depression or Anxiety Disorder (among other nasty mental ailments). You were never diagnosed with either from what your saying. You were prescribed pills to help you during a rough time in your life. Hardly a clinical diagnosis of depression. Everyone goes through those at some point and the OH&W docs appreciate that. You would actually have to go out of your way to declare it! Such is how the MHQ is laid out.

Thanks for that tho its a moot issue. Not likely to be called for med given background and merit placing. C15 all the way!!!!!:D

belfastard

it got to 2 weeks to the day since id done my medical and still i had no word, so i phoned and after being transferred to somewhere from occupational health, the girl told me that there was a backlog, but that id passed everything and the doc said i was fit for service.....then she said something about getting it onto the computer and that it would be sent out next week...was pretty chuffed to have it confirmed even though the doc said everything was ok on the day...anyway just letting people know that it seemed ok to phone if youve waited your 2 weeks and heard nothing....i think you'd be quite entitled to find out as opposed to going 'loco' with waiting

Howmanytimes

MrsGeneHunt

When you get your medical questionnaire put down everything you can think of. I also took the happy pills for the same amount of time as yourself.

When it came to the medical the Doc asked about it and gave me a bit of a 'the job envolves very hard work/training etc'.

Explain why you took them - you are only human. If you dont put things down and they find something out they are more likely to ask the question - why you havent declared it.

Good luck

tanzo22

Hey all, passed my medical. Took just over a week from my medical date to get the letter! What does this mean now? Havn't heard anything about the vetting so guess im just waiting now?

JVB

^^^ Correct

Kirksbabe

Hi Folks

Haven't been on the forum for a while, my nerves wouldn't let me, I was getting too hyped up reading everyones posts!!! I have my medical next week and have passed my vetting, am totally brickin myself. My Dr put on my form about a 2 week period I was off work with stress, he has said that there was no underlying illness and that the time off work resolved the issue but now I am convinced that I will fail. Please help reassure me!!! I am totally past myself! What do you guys think?

MrFug

Your doctor put that in? That's a little unlucky. I'm pretty sure a lot of doctor's would have let it be.

I don't think you have much to worry about. The OH&W doctor will most certainly quiz you on it. I think you may need to give him an adequate reason why you felt stressed. I don't think they could possibly fail you for a 2 week absence having said that, but still, they are extremely strict on mental health. They failed me for having anxiety symptoms related to a bowel condition that no longer exists!! :mad: It's costing me over £400 for a private psychiatric report and even that's not a guarantee of success on appeal.

Sorry, I digressed into my own problems there lol. You should be fine.

Sadie OOO!!!

can someone tell me where do they hold the PDA/PCA course if you fail bmi. is it in seapark Aswell. cheers

carlty888

Sadie OOO!!! wrote: »

can someone tell me where do they hold the PDA/PCA course if you fail bmi. is it in seapark Aswell. cheers

From what I gather it's held at the Hotel. Are you having to do the PCA or are you just curious?

surfrunner

Had my Medical this morning. All went well (I Think). A good bunch of people and good craic. met a few other potential recruits as well. They didint know about the board so i gave them the details.

Just on a lighter note. When I was posting my vetting form last week (Special Delivery- to make sure) The post office girl asked me if Carrickfergus was in Belfast....I politely told her NO!!!

Come on OBAMA!!!!!

MrsGeneHunt

surfrunner wrote: »

Had my Medical this morning. All went well (I Think). A good bunch of people and good craic. met a few other potential recruits as well. They didint know about the board so i gave them the details.

Just on a lighter note. When I was posting my vetting form last week (Special Delivery- to make sure) The post office girl asked me if Carrickfergus was in Belfast....I politely told her NO!!!

Come on OBAMA!!!!!

Obama??? Seriously??? It'd be like the Labour Party running America. Disastrous.

PEGGYSUE'S MAMA

Obama in means Palin out, idiot woman.... pitbull with lipstick is about right! Cannot stand the woman... as for mrs mccain, eh, stepford wives is not in it!

Sadie OOO!!!

surfrunner wrote: »

Had my Medical this morning. All went well (I Think). A good bunch of people and good craic. met a few other potential recruits as well. They didint know about the board so i gave them the details.

Just on a lighter note. When I was posting my vetting form last week (Special Delivery- to make sure) The post office girl asked me if Carrickfergus was in Belfast....I politely told her NO!!!

Come on OBAMA!!!!!

surf you should never send recorded delivery to a po box as if there is no one there to sign for it, it will be sent back to you. you really need to find out if they recieved it asap.

Sadie OOO!!!

carlty888 wrote: »

From what I gather it's held at the Hotel. Are you having to do the PCA or are you just curious?

dont know my bmi was slightly high. but doctor wrote down i was musclely so it might carry me through if not ill have to do the pda course. hope its not GV. it was hard enough trying to find seapark. lol.

PEGGYSUE'S MAMA

Sadie OOO!!! wrote: »

surf you should never send recorded delivery to a po box as if there is no one there to sign for it, it will be sent back to you. you really need to find out if they recieved it asap.

It will get there ok, I sent mine recorded delivery and I was able to confirm that it got there just grand..... it maybe going to a PO Box but it'll still go ok, I had this conversation with the lady in the post office in shaftesbury square and she and the manager both reassured me.... unless they were telling porkies to get an extra 4 quid out of me!

PEGGYSUE'S MAMA

Hi,

it will be at GV, in the gym. I have done it before when it was part of the whole recruitment process a number of years back, and from what i hear from someone who had to do the PCA as they had a higher BMI due to muscle, it has not changed! if you are fit enough it should be ok!

squirrel81

recorded delivery is different to special delivery which is what Surfrunner said was used, so it will be fine.

MustBeCrazy

What does everyone think of people receiving medicals at this stage of the campaign. Will there still be a certain amount of people getting called for medicals who will end up being wastage? Or at this stage would they only be calling those they need to fill spaces . And also when you receive a MHQ do you make an appointment with your doctor to get it filled in or just leave it in to the receptionist to pass on?

Thank you :rolleyes:

NewBoy19

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

What does everyone think of people receiving medicals at this stage of the campaign. Will there still be a certain amount of people getting called for medicals who will end up being wastage? Or at this stage would they only be calling those they need to fill spaces . And also when you receive a MHQ do you make an appointment with your doctor to get it filled in or just leave it in to the receptionist to pass on?

Thank you :rolleyes:

Hey,

I suppose you could tell more depending on your merit score...although there still is an intake in December!!

Have you called regarding your vetting?

Don't get too down hearted about your medical being so late....I only got my call 2 weeks before my SRN to say i was in, so they do leave things late.

Personally i made an appointment with my Dr to ensure that i got all the relevant documentation from him (as i've had a few hospital visits due to rugby ), and anything i said he just printed it off. Nothing worse than gettin it back to find something has not been provided!

MrsGeneHunt

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

What does everyone think of people receiving medicals at this stage of the campaign. Will there still be a certain amount of people getting called for medicals who will end up being wastage? Or at this stage would they only be calling those they need to fill spaces . And also when you receive a MHQ do you make an appointment with your doctor to get it filled in or just leave it in to the receptionist to pass on?

Thank you :rolleyes:

Take it you got your appointment today?!:D