MedMark Medical Assessment

gagiteebo

Hey all,

I'm starting a new job in September, RPT contract and have to go to one of the MedMark centres to have a medical assessment done. I guess this is pretty run of the mill procedure.....just wondering have any other teachers out there had this done? Do I need to bring anything? What does it involve?

I'm very healthy in that I don't smoke, eat well, exercise etc, have never been in hospital and have had no illnesses apart from backache....is this likely to be an issue? I'm guessing the reason they want to see me in the first place is because I said I have had backache in the past number of years. Can my job offer be withdrawn owing to the results of the medical? I'm kind of stressed about it now

EoghanRua

I suppose potentially your job offer could be withdrawn as presumably that's what they are trying to establish i.e. that you are medically fit to teach.

But by the sounds of things it's just routine. They might need to cover themselves in case your backache is some kind of chronic condition which might affect you.

How much time was there in between you filling out the questionnaire and being called for the medical?

gagiteebo

I filled it in yesterday and they called me today. Should I be worried?

In the past 3 years teaching I've never been off work sick because of anything so I don't see how it could affect my work....

Have you had it done?

EoghanRua

gagiteebo wrote: »

I filled it in yesterday and they called me today. Should I be worried?

In the past 3 years teaching I've never been off work sick because of anything so I don't see how it could affect my work....

Have you had it done?

I filled out the questionnaire last Friday and got a call from them asking what my subjects were but maybe I won't have to attend a medical since I haven't heard from them other than that. I did have one issue (eye infection) where I had to attend the Doctor but it wouldn't be an problem in the classroom.

I imagine in your case they might see a back problem as a potentially on-going issue as opposed to a once-off problem so they probably just want to have a look if you are going to be in a job where you're standing a lot.

Should you be worried - definitely not I would say unless your back is particularly bad which it clearly isn't if you haven't been off work. It sounds like a fairly routine reason for having a second look. I'd say they'd be conisdered negligent if they didn't have a look at something like that. But you'll be grand I'm sure.

gagiteebo

Yeah I suppose you're right, I'm just stressing about it all the same! I really don't want to lose this job but they have to cover themselves as you say. When filling out the questionnaire it was the only question that I answered 'yes' and I can see what you mean about backache being potentially ongoing but it hasn't caused me to take off work so it's all good! Appointment is on Tuesday so will see how it goes! They are fairly quick to get back to you anyway from what I've heard so I doubt you'll be called for one if they didn't say it to you!

I've never had to go for one before for my last two jobs which were maternity leave covers, any idea why this one is different? RPT contract?

EoghanRua

Yes, I'm sure it's because of the nature of the contract as you are no longer subbing or standing in temporarily. So it's a good sign of things in that respect!

gagiteebo

Yeah that's what I was thinking so hopefully all goes well in that case!

Thanks for all you help

EoghanRua

gagiteebo wrote: »

Yeah that's what I was thinking so hopefully all goes well in that case!

Thanks for all you help

No bother. I'm sure it'll work out fine for you.

rainbowtrout

you normally have to go for a medical when you get a contract job, it's pretty normal so nothing to worry about. Medmark are an occupational health company that do contract work for the Dept of Ed. I've been for an appointment with them (different reasons). It's nothing to worry about. They just need to make sure you are fit for work, that's about it really if it's a new job.

a05bf47d

have a medical with medmark too. was wondering if you've already been could you give me an idea of the tests that were done on you.
Cheers

gagiteebo

a05bf47d wrote: »

have a medical with medmark too. was wondering if you've already been could you give me an idea of the tests that were done on you.
Cheers

Yeah no prob Well it depends on what you've written on the form, I suffer with chronic back pain and I put that down and she just checked my back out and made me do loads of different stretches etc to make sure I would be able to stand all day I suppose and was fit to teach. Anyway it was fine, I made the journey to Dublin and I was in there for about 5 minutes, if that :P The Department pay for it as well in case you were wondering!

a05bf47d

so do they only test ya on the thing that looks dodge on the form. I have a lazy eye and dont fancy doin a full medical and travelling to dublin just for that reason

gagiteebo

a05bf47d wrote: »

so do they only test ya on the thing that looks dodge on the form. I have a lazy eye and dont fancy doin a full medical and travelling to dublin just for that reason

I don't know, I can't comment on anyone else's situation but I'd imagine that's the case alright. I put it down on the form because I didn't want it to come back and bite me in the ass later on

Godge

(1) Under employment law, lying on an application form can have you dismissed instantly so watch that when hiding medical problems.

(2) Employment medicals are generally routine unless it is for a job like pilot. Obviously a bad back would be an issue for teaching but it would only be an issue if you were practically crippled. In fact, because it is so hard to fail a general employment medical*, you should see your own doctor if you do fail because the problem identified is likely to need treatment.

*obviously this wouldn't apply to something specialised like a pilot as people who have otherwise perfect sight can fail such a medical on eyesight grounds

mcgowak3

Hi everyone! I'm filling out this questionnaire now and have a question.
I'm a Religion and English teacher but I was hired as a resource teacher. So do I tick the Teacher box or the special needs assistance one?

As a resource I'm helping pupils with special needs, but am I still classified as a teacher?

Which box should I tick?

TheDriver

teacher. resource teacher=teacher. Special needs assistant=SNA

Kalimera

mcgowak3 wrote: »

Hi everyone! I'm filling out this questionnaire now and have a question.
I'm a Religion and English teacher but I was hired as a resource teacher. So do I tick the Teacher box or the special needs assistance one?

As a resource I'm helping pupils with special needs, but am I still classified as a teacher?

Which box should I tick?

You are definitely a teacher! Good luck with the position.