PSNI Recruitment - Stage 4 - The Medical

D4z · 17-04-2016 10:18am

dollasign wrote: »

Thanks Homer, I was just asking because some people I know who got in say they never had their BMI checked, was just wondering if anyone might be in the know.

I'd definitely prepare for them to measure your BMI. If you're on the heavy side then cutting out small things like breads and unnecessary carbs will shred lbs off.

Really easy meal idea is chicken and brown rice on a training day and chicken and broccoli on a non training day (you don't need the brown rice if you aren't going to burn the energy), if it's too bland then get a chicken in a bag like Maggi So Juicy. Watch out for the fat content though as some are high but the garlic chicken one is 2.2g per 1/4 which isn't bad and it really makes a difference in the taste.

I'd also aim for less than 5g of FAT per meal and suggest logging everything on my fitness pal.

Worst case scenario and you can't stick to this; I'd suggest going to the doctors and asking for orlistat as you'll get it with a BMI over 30. Basically you take a tablet 3x times daily and it stops all fat absorbing over 5g. Anything over 5g and you'll basically have olive oil run out you without any notice, if that isn't a good scare tactic I don't know what is? //if you don't want to ask the doctors, you can buy them in Boots etc but they're costly.

Just my 2 cents

Homer01 · 17-04-2016 10:35am

dollasign wrote: »

Thanks Homer, I was just asking because some people I know who got in say they never had their BMI checked, was just wondering if anyone might be in the know.

I suppose a lot of it is a case by case basis. I personally see the BMI purely as an indicator, just part of the overall picture. I'm sure most rugby players will have a high BMI but as they say muscle weighs more than fat

Mop a top · 17-04-2016 10:44am

I haven't heard of anyone failing due to their bmi however that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Personally I think bmi is a load of crap as Homer said muscle weighs more than fat so when you're striped off to your underwear the dr will be able to see your physical composition. They don't ask for it but when they take your height and weight they could work it out. Tbh I wouldn't worry about it, I'd worry about getting fit enough to pass the PCA lol

Homer01 · 17-04-2016 10:50am

I don't know but would say if you can pass PCA and have no major health concerns you'll be grand.

dollasign · 17-04-2016 11:09am

D4z wrote: »

I'd definitely prepare for them to measure your BMI. If you're on the heavy side then cutting out small things like breads and unnecessary carbs will shred lbs off.

Really easy meal idea is chicken and brown rice on a training day and chicken and broccoli on a non training day (you don't need the brown rice if you aren't going to burn the energy), if it's too bland then get a chicken in a bag like Maggi So Juicy. Watch out for the fat content though as some are high but the garlic chicken one is 2.2g per 1/4 which isn't bad and it really makes a difference in the taste.

I'd also aim for less than 5g of FAT per meal and suggest logging everything on my fitness pal.

Worst case scenario and you can't stick to this; I'd suggest going to the doctors and asking for orlistat as you'll get it with a BMI over 30. Basically you take a tablet 3x times daily and it stops all fat absorbing over 5g. Anything over 5g and you'll basically have olive oil run out you without any notice, if that isn't a good scare tactic I don't know what is? //if you don't want to ask the doctors, you can buy them in Boots etc but they're costly.

Just my 2 cents

Some really good advice there, thanks alot ill take it on board.

Thanks for the replies everyone!!!

Goonerdee · 18-04-2016 10:51am

Homer01 wrote: »

I don't know but would say if you can pass PCA and have no major health concerns you'll be grand.

And there is my worry, I havent got a major health concern butbit is one that affects my heart so dreading the medical.

yet another lurker · 18-04-2016 5:33pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

And there is my worry, I havent got a major health concern butbit is one that affects my heart so dreading the medical.

I really am not sure how much has changed since I last did the medical nine years ago but back then people that passed the medical with certain underlying conditions known were allowed through.
The difference came when in garnerville and people were signing pension forms. Certain recruits could not get the full pension as a result of their condition.
I would not panic at this stage about your heart issue as long as your doctor is happy to sign you off as fully fit. However I'd be prepared to take a slightly lower pension. That being said pensions have been destroyed since then so who knows!

Homer01 · 18-04-2016 5:49pm

yet another lurker wrote: »

I really am not sure how much has changed since I last did the medical nine years ago but back then people that passed the medical with certain underlying conditions known were allowed through.
The difference came when in garnerville and people were signing pension forms. Certain recruits could not get the full pension as a result of their condition.
I would not panic at this stage about your heart issue as long as your doctor is happy to sign you off as fully fit. However I'd be prepared to take a slightly lower pension. That being said pensions have been destroyed since then so who knows!

From the Guidance For Applicants;

Following the medical assessment you will be considered to be one of the following:
1.
Medically fit, having met the required standards for the role and for entry to the police pension scheme; or
2.
Medically unfit, having not met the required standards; or
3.
Medically fit, but requiring an adjustment in the role which will be considered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland DDA Panel; or
4.
Medically fit, having met the required standards for the role but not eligible for the Police Pension scheme ill health benefits

LadyABC · 19-04-2016 9:56am

Starting to panic a bit as I just remembered or can't rather, if I ticked that I've suffered depression before on my application form. It's something I have had before, or at least the doc gave me anti depressants when family members died etc. on a few occasions in the past. Have I screwed everything up if I didn't tick that box?

RTGeorge8910 · 19-04-2016 1:47pm

Can anyone help with advice for the medical regarding BMI? Is this very strictly adhered to during the medical. Even if you pass the fitness test they could bin you because you BMI is high?

"Composition Standard.
However, you should note that the body composition standard is set at the start of the obese range, so being moderately overweight is acceptable but being obese and aspiring to meet the standard in the future is not acceptable."

"Candidate will not meet the standard if:
BMI: candidate's body composition is greater than 30 and
Body Fat: candidate's body fat is greater than 5% above the predicted maximum and
Examination: candidate appears overweight at medical assessment."

pastiesupper · 19-04-2016 2:00pm

Below is a link to the Home Office National recruitment standards - medical standards for police recruitment - this might help with some questions. Not sure if the PSNI have to 100% abide by these, but it should be a reasonable guide.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-recruitment-standards-medical-standards-for-police-recruitment

D4z · 19-04-2016 6:05pm

RTGeorge8910 wrote: »

Can anyone help with advice for the medical regarding BMI? Is this very strictly adhered to during the medical. Even if you pass the fitness test they could bin you because you BMI is high?

"Composition Standard.
However, you should note that the body composition standard is set at the start of the obese range, so being moderately overweight is acceptable but being obese and aspiring to meet the standard in the future is not acceptable."

"Candidate will not meet the standard if:
BMI: candidate's body composition is greater than 30 and
Body Fat: candidate's body fat is greater than 5% above the predicted maximum and
Examination: candidate appears overweight at medical assessment."

If you have a BMI over 30 and you look overweight with a high body fat percentage then yes, I believe it will be held against you at medical.

BMI is nonsense in my opinion as it doesn't take into account for muscle, it is just height vs weight. My BMI claims I'm overweight with a 26.1 when I'm 6'1 and 89/90kg, however I feel when I go to 87 I look ill (BMI claims I should be a max of 85kg)

networksearch1 · 19-04-2016 7:40pm

Anyone no how the drugs test part works.if something is flagged up in your system do they check with your doctor if they prescribed the medication?
Last year I was prescribed anxiety tablets for 2 weeks wilt my partner was pregnant.i checked the classes of drugs they test for- amphetamines,cabanas,benzodiazepines etc, and they are not under any of these.
If something comes up in your system do they check with your doctor if it is a prescribed medication? There's no additional info section in the booklet or I would add it in...
Obviously I don't want to get black listed for bot telling them about a drug that I took for two weeks that was prescribed

D4z · 19-04-2016 7:49pm

networksearch1 wrote: »

Anyone no how the drugs test part works.if something is flagged up in your system do they check with your doctor if they prescribed the medication?
Last year I was prescribed anxiety tablets for 2 weeks wilt my partner was pregnant.i checked the classes of drugs they test for- amphetamines,cabanas,benzodiazepines etc, and they are not under any of these.
If something comes up in your system do they check with your doctor if it is a prescribed medication? There's no additional info section in the booklet or I would add it in...
Obviously I don't want to get black listed for bot telling them about a drug that I took for two weeks that was prescribed

They'll know you were prescribed them from your medical records. There shouldn't be any issues if you only took them for a small period and weren't prescribed them for a long period. My friend who is serving was on diazepam for his finals and that wasn't held against him.

I'm worried about my fat burners, they're legal but are very strong and have compounds of amphetamines:

Yerba Mate Extract
Acacia Rigidula Extract
R-Beta-Methylphenylethyamine
B-Phenylethylamine
N-Methyl-B-Phenylethylamine
Green Tea Extract
Citrus Aurantium Extract
Theobroma Cocoa Extract
Xantheose
Green Tea Extract
Geranium
Cassia Nomame Extract
Dimethylxanthine
5-Methoxytryplamine HCL
Grapefruit Extract

Redboy12345 · 19-04-2016 8:21pm

Get off the fat burners buddy.. Green tea in the morning and a tin of monster/rockstar before training is equally effective. Decaffinated green tea before bed as well. Trust me it works haha.

D4z wrote: »

They'll know you were prescribed them from your medical records. There shouldn't be any issues if you only took them for a small period and weren't prescribed them for a long period. My friend who is serving was on diazepam for his finals and that wasn't held against him.

I'm worried about my fat burners, they're legal but are very strong and have compounds of amphetamines:

Yerba Mate Extract
Acacia Rigidula Extract
R-Beta-Methylphenylethyamine
B-Phenylethylamine
N-Methyl-B-Phenylethylamine
Green Tea Extract
Citrus Aurantium Extract
Theobroma Cocoa Extract
Xantheose
Green Tea Extract
Geranium
Cassia Nomame Extract
Dimethylxanthine
5-Methoxytryplamine HCL
Grapefruit Extract

D4z · 19-04-2016 8:37pm

Redboy12345 wrote: »

Get off the fat burners buddy.. Green tea in the morning and a tin of monster/rockstar before training is equally effective. Decaffinated green tea before bed as well. Trust me it works haha.

Those tablets were a case of trial and error and it was all error! I've taken fat burners before but never this specific brand and never again. Popped 1 instead of the recommended 2 while I was in work and about to finish. I started shaking, burning, sweating and my heart rate went through the roof, I decided to put on my HRM and it was a resting HR of 139 BPM.

There is something about having a metabolic heart rate when sitting at a desk that doesn't sit with me.

Drummer64 · 19-04-2016 9:02pm

pastiesupper wrote: »

Below is a link to the Home Office National recruitment standards - medical standards for police recruitment - this might help with some questions. Not sure if the PSNI have to 100% abide by these, but it should be a reasonable guide.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-recruitment-standards-medical-standards-for-police-recruitment

If they use this I'm screwed, I have one of these things that probably rule you out. Had it for over 10 years and has never affected my work...

iamveryhopeful · 19-04-2016 9:40pm

networksearch1 wrote: »

Anyone no how the drugs test part works.if something is flagged up in your system do they check with your doctor if they prescribed the medication?
Last year I was prescribed anxiety tablets for 2 weeks wilt my partner was pregnant.i checked the classes of drugs they test for- amphetamines,cabanas,benzodiazepines etc, and they are not under any of these.
If something comes up in your system do they check with your doctor if it is a prescribed medication? There's no additional info section in the booklet or I would add it in...
Obviously I don't want to get black listed for bot telling them about a drug that I took for two weeks that was prescribed

You'll be okay buddy. You'll not have the drugs test until later this year and if the anxiety tablets were grouped under the above categories, you took them last year so no biggy.

Goes back 3 months and tests exclusively for the normal reccy drugs. There's a linked pdf somewhere on here.

To the other poster yeah the fat burners could trigger for Amphetamines but getting off them now should give you plenty of time for the SMT.

I told him all the sports supplements I was taking including test boosters just incase they produced a false positive

Psni26 · 23-05-2016 8:51pm

Can anybody tell me if you pass the PCA is it long after that you do your medical?

MikeOneJuliet · 23-05-2016 9:09pm

Psni26 wrote: »

Can anybody tell me if you pass the PCA is it long after that you do your medical?

Usually within a few weeks

WannabePC123 · 24-05-2016 2:26pm

What about protein shakes? Do they have any impact on the outcome of the medical?

Nerves2016 · 24-05-2016 10:25pm

Anybody know anything about ACL injuries....

I had knee surgery near 4 years ago in Santry clinic. Recovered fully and am well able to get through my strength and conditioning class, run half marathons but always a worry when it comes to this medical!!!

Will my GP be able to assess the knee and give a letter to medical assessor? Or what is the process

This is one stressful process!!!!

RTGeorge8910 · 24-05-2016 10:27pm

WannabePC123 wrote: »

What about protein shakes? Do they have any impact on the outcome of the medical?

Currently taking diet whey so could anyone clarify

Tinfoilcap · 24-05-2016 10:42pm

Dietary supplements do not have any impact on testing, if you have had a tooth taken out recently this could impact you, some painkillers or anaesthetics may be opiate based.

Just try to remember everything you may be adding to your diet, the staff will be able to tell you what they need to know and what they don't.

takemeaway · 25-05-2016 9:19am

Anyone appeal their medical decision or know anyone who has done? I failed mine and have been waiting longer than I expected to hear the outcome. Anyone know how long it usually takes?

Bananarama172 · 26-05-2016 11:36am

Hi everyone,

First time poster! Some really good advice on here, but I'm hoping someone would be able to confirm or deny some concerns I have.

Currently, there is very little chance I will pass the unaided vision part of the medical. My sight exceeds the standards with glasses or lenses but without.. I couldn't even squint to hazard a guess.

I've therefore looked into laser eye surgery and was all approved until I was told that there may have to be a 6 month gap between the surgery and a medical exam. This was the first I had heard of any restrictions and can't find any info in the literature available.

I don't have a date for my medical, but PCA is middle of June and therefore I'm anticipating a date in July if it follows the same layout as previous campaigns.

Long story short, is this 6 month restriction on eye surgery correct? And if you fail solely on unaided eye sight, what are your options?

jwhdkl5736 · 01-06-2016 1:32am

Bananarama172 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

First time poster! Some really good advice on here, but I'm hoping someone would be able to confirm or deny some concerns I have.

Currently, there is very little chance I will pass the unaided vision part of the medical. My sight exceeds the standards with glasses or lenses but without.. I couldn't even squint to hazard a guess.

I've therefore looked into laser eye surgery and was all approved until I was told that there may have to be a 6 month gap between the surgery and a medical exam. This was the first I had heard of any restrictions and can't find any info in the literature available.

I don't have a date for my medical, but PCA is middle of June and therefore I'm anticipating a date in July if it follows the same layout as previous campaigns.

Long story short, is this 6 month restriction on eye surgery correct? And if you fail solely on unaided eye sight, what are your options?

It depends on weather your prescription has been deemed as 'stabilised'. I went for a consultation four weeks ago, 8 days later I had laser eye surgery.

yet another lurker · 02-06-2016 12:27am

Wondering if someone that did the medical in the last year or two could answer a couple of questions.

On passing the PCA you get a medical questionnaire. Is this for your doctor to fill out? Is this something they normally charge for?
Do you have to get your entire medical records somehow? Is this something that costs a lot?

Sorry it's years since I did this and am curious.

MikeOneJuliet · 03-06-2016 7:06pm

yet another lurker wrote: »

Wondering if someone that did the medical in the last year or two could answer a couple of questions.

On passing the PCA you get a medical questionnaire. Is this for your doctor to fill out? Is this something they normally charge for?
Do you have to get your entire medical records somehow? Is this something that costs a lot?

Sorry it's years since I did this and am curious.

Yes, your Dr is to fill out the form. Some Dr's will charge, mine didn't. You don't need to see your own records, just drop it into your GP and ask them to complete it ASAP

yet another lurker · 03-06-2016 7:10pm

MikeOneJuliet wrote: »

yet another lurker wrote: »

Wondering if someone that did the medical in the last year or two could answer a couple of questions.

On passing the PCA you get a medical questionnaire. Is this for your doctor to fill out? Is this something they normally charge for?
Do you have to get your entire medical records somehow? Is this something that costs a lot?

Sorry it's years since I did this and am curious.

Yes, your Dr is to fill out the form. Some Dr's will charge, mine didn't. You don't need to see your own records, just drop it into your GP and ask them to complete it ASAP

So the gp only fills in a questionnaire based on medical records, they're not actually sent off?

MikeOneJuliet · 03-06-2016 7:49pm

yet another lurker wrote: »

MikeOneJuliet wrote: »

yet another lurker wrote: »

Wondering if someone that did the medical in the last year or two could answer a couple of questions.

On passing the PCA you get a medical questionnaire. Is this for your doctor to fill out? Is this something they normally charge for?
Do you have to get your entire medical records somehow? Is this something that costs a lot?

Sorry it's years since I did this and am curious.

Yes, your Dr is to fill out the form. Some Dr's will charge, mine didn't. You don't need to see your own records, just drop it into your GP and ask them to complete it ASAP

So the gp only fills in a questionnaire based on medical records, they're not actually sent off?

Exactly. You can probably answer most questions yourself but it's for the GP to do

yet another lurker · 03-06-2016 7:57pm

Thanks very much indeed.

pastiesupper · 04-06-2016 1:39pm

There are three sections. You fill out the first two and your GP fills out the third one. They just need to read and confirm that your answers to the first two section are correct. Your sections have to be signed and dated before the GP signs and dates theirs.

Nerves2016 · 09-06-2016 1:26pm

Anyone hear any dates for the next set of medicals yet...

I'm thinking the last week June / first week in July...then be August calls followed by September intake - pure speculation!

Redboy12345 · 10-06-2016 12:09am

Nerves2016 wrote: »

Anyone hear any dates for the next set of medicals yet...

I'm thinking the last week June / first week in July...then be August calls followed by September intake - pure speculation!

I emailed recruitment as I am away on holiday to the end of June.. They said they'd schedule me for the start of July! So your timeline is probably correct.

Gnik91 · 14-06-2016 10:30am

Hey... First time posting.. Hoping someone can help about the eye test for the medical... I've worn glasses all my life as I am short sighted.. Also wear contact lenses.. Is this going to fail me? Do you just have to meet a certain standard? Thanks

goingtobePC · 14-06-2016 4:45pm

Hi guys, just wonder does anyone know if very Mild IBS will affect the medical? thanks

Shield · 14-06-2016 8:13pm

Not at all. Just might not be a good idea to load up with a Vindaloo the previous day.. just in case...

(Sorry. I couldn't resist.)

goingtobePC wrote: »

Hi guys, just wonder does anyone know if very Mild IBS will affect the medical? thanks

Nerves2016 · 14-06-2016 8:22pm

Every stage of this recruitment seems to be "what ifs"....ive an old knee injury which i'm declaring, providing the consultants report from 2012 and still nervous as hell!!!!

Not much we can do at this stage but keep calm and it will all work out (hopefully). It will just be a joy to have all stages out of the way "shortly"

Goonerdee · 16-06-2016 2:22pm

Anyone know what the deal is with asthma. My doc is wanting me to get checked for asthma, there's part of me almost not wanting to go.

Johannes_Cabal · 16-06-2016 3:16pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

Anyone know what the deal is with asthma. My doc is wanting me to get checked for asthma, there's part of me almost not wanting to go.

Pretty sure it's fine, it's not like the armed forces where it's an automatic bar.

I had asthma as a child but managed to pass the medical, I think as long as it's under control it shouldn't cause you to fail.

MikeOneJuliet · 16-06-2016 10:27pm

Goonerdee wrote: »

Anyone know what the deal is with asthma. My doc is wanting me to get checked for asthma, there's part of me almost not wanting to go.

Also had asthma as a child. No issues so long as you have inhalers etc and take them when you need them. Dr at my medical told me it doesn't concern them unless it's unmanageable

D4z · 17-06-2016 2:49pm

Few questions i'm unsure on what to say:

Regarding history of blood pressure; a few months ago I had low blood pressure due to a viral infection but I didn't go on any medications or have any followups, do I say yes to the question regarding this as it may be on my GP records?

Also the neurological question.. I've had a few concussions over the years from sports, again do I say yes to this even though I had no medications nor followups?

Legally clueless · 19-06-2016 9:01pm

Hello guys. Passed my pca last friday and have got my medical questionnaire. Do I make an apt to see the doctor or do we hand the completed questionnaire to a receptionist for them to pass on to the doc.
Wondering if it's better to make an apt and hand it to the doc in person?

UsidoreTheBlue · 19-06-2016 9:22pm

Legally clueless wrote:

Hello guys. Passed my pca last friday and have got my medical questionnaire. Do I make an apt to see the doctor or do we hand the completed questionnaire to a receptionist for them to pass on to the doc. Wondering if it's better to make an apt and hand it to the doc in person?

I would make an appointment and explain what it is for if you are comfortable doing so. They receive forms from the DVA, MoD and others all the time, but having a quick chat to make sure there is not going to be an issue always helps. Source: I live with a GP.

Legally clueless · 19-06-2016 10:05pm

UsidoreTheBlue wrote: »

Legally clueless wrote:

Hello guys. Passed my pca last friday and have got my medical questionnaire. Do I make an apt to see the doctor or do we hand the completed questionnaire to a receptionist for them to pass on to the doc. Wondering if it's better to make an apt and hand it to the doc in person?

I would make an appointment and explain what it is for if you are comfortable doing so. They receive forms from the DVA, MoD and others all the time, but having a quick chat to make sure there is not going to be an issue always helps. Source: I live with a GP.

Thanks. Sometimes the receptionists at my doctors think they are docs themselves. Id rather make a discreet apt with the doc to explain rather than having to explain to the receptionist in front of a full waiting room. The joys of living in a small town

newfoundglory · 20-06-2016 9:54am

I passed my fitness one day last week. Just wondering has anyone got their medical date or have any idea of when it could be?

Legally clueless · 20-06-2016 12:10pm

Hi - I passed last week too but no date for Medical

D4z · 22-06-2016 2:02pm

Does anyone have any information on what exactly happens in the medical? I heard it is very much a probing session and quite intrusive? Would be good to have an idea on what will happen on the day.

Sidelined1234 · 22-06-2016 2:14pm

Once you get your appointment letter for the medical it outlines what to expect. Nothing intrusive or probing really. Done mine recently and it was relaxed and what one would expect

PSNI Recruitment - Stage 4 - The Medical

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