Heart condition

[Aubrey4444]

Hi quick question a friend of mine is interested in a train driver job but has irregular heart beat and may have to have a pace maker fitted would this effect him in getting the job? or would it defiantly be a no no

Thanks

 

[W230]

Hi quick question a friend of mine is interested in a train driver job but has irregular heart beat and may have to have a pace maker fitted would this effect him in getting the job? or would it defiantly be a no no

Quite possibly. They complete a cardiogram as part of your medical to check if you have heart problems though i'm not sure that having a pacemaker fitted would automatically bar him.

Have a look through this. It might give some answers in that department!

 

[BravoGolfMike]

I know at least 2 drivers with pacemakers fitted although they were fitted after they began driving. As long as your friend can demonstrate that there is no more risk of them keeling over than anybody else there shouldn't be a problem. I would be prepared for a visit to a cardiologist though and if you get wind that you have a medical for a job then it might be an idea to pre-empt this and ask to see one first (NHS or private, not the TOC!) and get a letter to take with you that says you are perfectly healthy. It would be difficult for an Occupational Health Doctor (who, with the greatest of respect, are notorious for misreading ECGs) to justify failing your friend, overrulling a professional cardiologist in the process. In fact it would be utterly absurd.

 

[NHG66]

It would be difficult for an Occupational Health Doctor (who, with the greatest of respect, are notorious for misreading ECGs) to justify failing your friend, overrulling a professional cardiologist in the process. In fact it would be utterly absurd.

To add to this , I had previously had a burst blood vessel in the back of my eye and had been under the supervision of the eye consultant at John Radcliffe Hospital for 2 years just before I applied as a driver. The BUPA doctor was not satisfied that the eye hospital had given me the all clear and asked for me to go for a peripheral vision check at my local opticians (which I naturally passed). He was not prepared to sign me off until he had this despite and eye consultant saying I had and I quote 'Fighter pilot vision' just 3 months previous. Quite ridiculous and it cost me a place on the November course with my TOC due to the delays so tell your mate to be prepared for a bumpy ride. These BUPA docs are not specialists so will seek advice rather than commit themselves.

 

[BravoGolfMike]

Exactly. It is basically one big massive arse covering exercise for them. BUPA incedentally don't do the medicals for one large TOC anymore, it wouldn't surprise me if their enthusiasm for failing staff for inexplicable reasons (leading to cancelled services) was a factor.

 

[Aubrey4444]

Thanks for the advice guys i will let him know.

 

[Joe20365]

I'm absolutely no expert on this, but a recent poster (I forget who) said that he failed a medical with Northern because of an irregular heartbeat. But he also said his weight was an issue too. So, make of that what you will!!

Helpful, I know.