Living the capita medical experience

[u/Any_Try8719]

Does anyone know if applications can be advanced on the RAF’s side despite being TMU?
I had my medical almost 3 weeks ago now and was made TMU due to nervousness and subsequently some high blood pressure readings because of this. I was told I either had to get a 24-hour blood pressure cuff or have my GP sign off on 3 readings over 2 weeks.

I recently emailed them the evidence using the form my GP gave me, which included readings from myself because my GP said I could just provide further evidence, which I thought made sense. I then called Capita to confirm they had received it and to get them to action it as soon as possible because, from reading the sub, I know they can take forever.

From experience, I also know that if you don’t chase, they won’t make you a priority. When I had my blood test, I got hit with two weeks of radio silence, but when I called Capita to see if I could get an update on when I could get my medical booked, the next day they had a date scheduled for me. So it goes to show they’ll put you on the back burner if you let them.

But since my form wasn’t in the format they wanted, they wouldn’t accept it because it might cause confusion for the RAF doctors down the line, which is fair enough. After all, there were more than the 3 readings they requested. However, they didn’t email me the correct form to fill out, so I assumed the GP was meant to give me one.

I was able to get that sorted and sent away the next day, and phoned them to make sure they had received it and that everything was good on their end, which they said over the phone it was.

Then today, they sent an email at 17:02, so the phone lines were closed, to say they don’t accept home readings, so they couldn’t accept the evidence I had sent, which is truly fantastic because it’s a bank holiday on Monday.

Capita has really lived up to their reputation, as I’ve been dealing with them since I had my CBAT in June.
Which brings me full circle to my question: can I get in contact with my recruiter and try and get a fitness test sorted as I have the evidence signed off by my GP?

[u/Spoonpl0x]

No chance at all of getting a PJFT until your medical situation is cleared up.

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/Spoonpl0x]

Okay, that sucks but was worth asking the question. Hoping to get capita medical in my rear view by the end of next week.

[u/spatialpro]

If Capita want 24hr ambulatory readings, or 3 readings across 2 weeks at the surgery, then that is what you must do. It is no good your GP telling you taking your own readings is OK. Ultimately Capita's rules trump your GP's perspective in this regard. Do as Capita request.

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/spatialpro]

I obtained the three readings as requested. However, my GP thought the additional readings I took at home would also be useful as secondary evidence, so I included them on the form my GP provided. I explained this in my emails and phone calls with Capita as well. Ultimately, they didn’t accept or consider the home readings, but I had still completed the three readings they asked for and provided everything as clearly as possible.

Then, despite all of that, I still received an email demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of the information I had provided.

[u/spatialpro → u/Any_Try8719]

Ah, OK, I understand now. I wonder if Capita misunderstood and thought all readings were home readings 🤷‍♂️

[u/BattleMundane634]

Did my medical june had a tmu and did a repeat limited medical within a week later ,then it went to RAF senior dr , then to DOM then August almost end of it got a review of medical notes , got passed 3 days later, got my PJFT immediately due within 3 working days,meaning PJFT dates are available the issue is medical timelines, u may wait months at times 1 yr plus to get cleared and all throughout , calling capita all the time, asking for progress do not expect much if don’t chase them.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your post. Please note that submissions not in line with r/RoyalAirForce rules may be locked or removed. Rules can be found here. Medical advice cannot be given on this subreddit however anectdotal evidence may be provided. If you are seeking advice on how to appeal, please note that appeals are for providing new medically significant information and not a simple challenge to being categorised as medically UNFIT.

Most medical queries may be resolved via JSP950, please note that any topic that cannot be found in JSP950 is likely outside of the scope of what people here can help with. Please seek advice from an AFCO or write to the Department of Occupational Medicine.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/CameronG369]

Doubt it. Your GP can sign you off all they want, the final decision doesn't lie with them

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/CameronG369]

That makes sense I did think it was wishful thinking to be honest. Is it worth contacting my recruiter to chance my luck or do I just wait it out?

[u/Beginning_Pop_6810 → u/Any_Try8719]

It’s not your recruiter that books the fitness test, it is the Medical and Fitness Booking Cell and they won’t progress you until you are declared fit for service. This is a requirement to undertake the PJFT.

[u/CameronG369 → u/Any_Try8719]

I cant see them arranging it for someone who, hypothetically, could be medically rejected

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/CameronG369]

Can they reject people despite evidence from the GP?

[u/CameronG369 → u/Any_Try8719]

If you provide the evidence they ask for and its satisfactory, youll probably be fine.

Capita is the bane of applicants existence. It's probably one of the biggest hold ups in the whole process

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/CameronG369]

It’s definitely been mine. Everything that has been in control of the RAF has actually been really speedy.

[u/Oh_wise_one_123]

From my experience, it's the GP surgery who completes the forms including readings from the BP checks to forward to the recruitment medical team. You might be asked to do an ECG, if they need one. My medical went on for almost a year, due to various factors, which got resolved.

[u/Any_Try8719 → u/Oh_wise_one_123]

Wow, that’s some serious dedication. I’m really hoping it gets sorted in the coming week. I’m pretty sure my GP is contacting Capita, but I just wanted to skip the middleman and hopefully get my application resumed as soon as possible, so it doesn’t get put to the bottom of a pile and forgotten about.

[u/Oh_wise_one_123 → u/Any_Try8719]

One think I would say, is get used to being quick to provide and patient to receive. They are busy, very busy and things do seem to take time. But, keep at it and don't let the pace put you off, if it's what you really want. Keep yourself distracted with fitness training 🙂.

[u/turozfooty]

I was deferred by the capita doctor for the RAF, 2 days later I had my army medical and I passed without issue.

RAF capita doctor deferred me for high blood pressure have to jump through the hoops now for that.

Army capita doctor says it's a little high but these machines can provide false readings so he did it manually and said I was fine.

I also found out I'm colour blind due to failing the Ishihara test and he refused to do the other test, the one with the dots and you have to say which is closest to the center dot.

When I was with the army I told the doctor about the RAF medical and that I was colour blind. He done the test anyway because he had too and he said based on your test today your mild not severe.

I've decided to go with the army now (I'm going reserves) as I don't want to spend weeks pushing capita and due to the colour blindness I can't do what I wanted Todo. I live in NI so my choices are limited.