Aviation Medicals Wessex Covid-19 Risk Assessment 

The latest government and CAA guidance has indicated that routine medical assessments can resume following a risk assessment and risk management plan. We aim to restart medical assessments in the safest way possible but we have to prioritise clients who may require urgent appointments. 

This newsletter contains the main points you need to be aware of when planning and attending your medical.  

Does the extension still apply? 

Yes, the CAA extension still applies. If you are utilising the extension, you will need to have a medical done before it expires on 22/11/2020. We have plenty of capacity to catch up with these medicals before then, so please don’t feel you need to rush to book in urgently. We will initially be focusing on keeping on top of medicals that are due to expire rather than clearing the exemptions.   

If my medical is due to expire, can I still utilise the extension? 

You can still utilise the extension as services are not running normally. However, you will be required to have your medical at some point before the exemption expires, and we don’t anticipate that the risk from the pandemic will be significantly lower by then, so you may decide it is more straightforward to get your medical done at the usual time.  

What if I am shielding or in an at-risk group? 

You can tell if you should be shielding or are in an at-risk group by checking the government website. If you have a medical condition, many charities are providing excellent and up-to-date resources on their websites e.g. Asthma UK.  

How will the medical work? 

We are still operating a manual appointment system bookable via email amwltd@outlook.com or 01202 487887. We may take up to 48 hours to respond in order to arrange distancing appointments. Appointment times will be staggered to ensure we have only one client and two members of staff in the building at any time.  

BEFORE ARRIVAL: 

Please do not attend your medical if you, or a close contact, have any symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 14 days. This includes a new persistent cough and high temperature. There is a long list of less common symptoms including sore throat, rashes, gastrointestinal upset and fatigue. You should also avoid your medical if you have had any of these symptoms in the 14 days prior to your appointment or if you have had any contact with a Covid-19 patient. 

If you have had symptoms and your medical is due to expire, we can utilise the extension and have plenty of capacity to rebook you.  

It is essential that you download, print and complete your MED160 form in advance of the medical, not in reception on arrival.  

ON ARRIVAL: 

Wash your hands before attending the medical and ideally wear your own mask or face covering. If possible, carry alcohol gel with you to use before you enter the building. If you do not have a mask, one can be provided for you.  

Enter the building and knock at the upstairs door to reception. Wait to be called through. Your temperature will be taken on arrival.

DURING THE MEDICAL: 

Staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in keeping with Public Health England guidance. Your temperature will be checked and you will be asked to sanitise your hands on arrival and regularly throughout the medical. Where possible, we will maintain a two-meter distance. You will be directed to provide your urine sample and have your preliminary checks with the nurse. You will then have your consultation and examination with the doctor. There will be some changes in how the examination is carried out to avoid prolonged close contact.  

AFTER THE MEDICAL: 

We will provide you with your certificate as usual. Card payments and cheques will be accepted. Please do not pay with cash.  

Staff will change PPE and disinfect surfaces after each patient contact. Staff will follow the same rules for self-isolation and temperature checks on arrival.  

We hope this summary explains what you can expect and puts you at ease knowing we are doing all we can to minimise the risk to you and us.  

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions, comments or concerns.  

We wish all our clients well and to stay safe.

Dr. Duane O'Reilly, Dr. Hugh Cummin, Dr. Angus Hickish and Nurse Tufty