It's not a shotgun 'licence' ...

[PeeJay]

The whole idea of the marker on your medical record was that the police would already have been notified about any relevant changes to your health or medical conditions, thus would not need to do the proforma every 5 years.

The fact they seem to have made participation in even that turns the whole thing into a farce.

Apparently there is no legal obligation for the doctors to inform the police as and when changes happen. Not all do. So while that continues there is no option but to recheck at regular intervals.

Blame the doctors surgeries for this (and other very poor service issues).

 

[eightlittlebits]

As I know several retired GP's, the reason they want nothing to do with the Firearms situation, is because they do not want to be held accountable, should the'wheel come off'.

I get the fear but it it's pretty clear on the form, they are not asking for an assessment of suitability. Just a factual report from the medical record. Emphasis mine.

The police assess firearms applications and require all applicants to provide factual information from a doctor confirming whether they have ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following conditions, which can have a bearing on whether a person is suitable to be granted a firearm certificate:

• Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm or harm to others
• Depression or anxiety
• Dementia
• Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness, or a personality disorder
• A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Any other mental or physical condition, or combination of conditions, which you think may be relevant.

Please note that the police are not seeking your opinion on my suitability to hold a firearm certificate, as the responsibility for this decision lies with the police. They require only a factual response, from a suitably qualified GMC-registered doctor* based on my medical record.