All Members
13th February 2017
Circular 05/17
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE – MEDICAL PROGRAMME
The Defence Police Federation has received several enquiries in relation to the conduct of the Force Medical Programme, conducted by Occupational Health Assist, specifically in relation to which elements of the programme are mandatory.
It would appear that, on some occasions, the staff conducting the medicals are mistaken and suggest that – should members not engage in all elements of the medical – they will not be declared fit for duty and be unable to continue firearms roles. This is totally incorrect and is not the case.
Clearly we would encourage all members to fully participate in the medical, taking all parts of the examination as it can only benefit our members if issues are identified and then resolved, however we need to be clear that there are only two elements that are mandatory and must be taken.
The two mandatory elements of the medical are the eyesight and hearing tests. The rest of the medical screening is voluntary and if you choose not to take these elements it will have no impact on your operational capability
If you do not wish to engage in the full medical, for any reason, then please do not. If you are concerned with the outcome of your medical then please contact both the DPF and the HQ Occupational Health Team to clarify the situation for you.
As stated above, we would encourage you to take the full medical, but must be clear, it is voluntary and is not necessary, with the exception of the two mandatory elements.
Eamon Keating
National Chairman
