URGENT Meds dilemma !

FiremanMart · 17-03-2007, 12:37 PM

My Step Father-In-Law was treated for TB in (we think) 1996.

We are booked for our Meds on 2nd April, with our X-Rays this Monday 19th March.

We haven't had any contact with the guy for about 6 years now (another really long story!) but do we declare it on the Meds form which asks the question:

''.....or had contact with somebody diagnosed with Tuberculosis''

What do we do, should we keep quiet or do we declare it ?

He was hospitalised at the time but none of us were ever asked to have any treatment/tests/vaccinations etc. and to our knowledge, there has been no ill effects for him since he had the original treatment.

Please help. I need to complete these forms today.

Gollywobbler · 17-03-2007, 12:55 PM

Hi Mart

You are describing Q16(c) on Form 26? My advice is leave it blank for now. You do NOT have to complete it today because you are not seeing the Panel Doctor till 2nd April.

Get your answers to the rest of Q16 ready. It is not rocket science for the Panel Doctor to wait (or indeed, complete that bit for you) following discussion between you about Q16 (c).

We are talking Private Medicine, here. That is what the meds fees represent. Ergo, we LEAVE the bits we are unsure about till we have discussed it with the Panel Doctor. It is a part of what he is for. If having to spend extra time on this query bugs him, tough. If it were me, I would say, "Doctor, dear. You make more than enough beer-money out of applications where competent assistance and advice from you is not even necessary. You therefore defo CAN spare the time to help me with this bit, my friend."

Hope this helps. Do NOT be railroaded, my friend. See what the medic thinks you should say, I suggest.

Best wishes

Gill

sals826 · 17-03-2007, 09:33 PM

Don't know about the medical bit of visa and how you should answer question but can give you bit of info about TB if helps.
You should have had your BCG jab at school (leaves a mark) therefore you have immunity to TB.
Catching TB depends on type father in law had. If in lungs you'd really have to live in close proximity to him, it's passed in droplets breathed out. So people at risk usually live in same house!
Two weeks of correct treatment and patient isn't usually contagious any longer.
You weren't tested or given treatment so it's unlikey you where at risk, as it's a reportable disease and all contacts are traced and assessed re risk and treatment.
My understanding is having had TB doesn't mean you would definitely be refused on medical grounds. The Oz government are looking to prevent people with active TB entering the country without treatment and spreading it.
My guess would be you are a very insignificant risk if even any risk at all and it won't be a problem.
Hope this might have helped

ali · 18-03-2007, 01:43 AM

We had declard some things on our medicals and took dr.s letters etc. The panel Doctor wrote some things down about them and had a stamp which said 'no further action required'.

I'd do as Gill said, wait until the medical, tell the Dr you wasn't sure how to fill this one in because it was so long ago.

As an aside, the UK now doesn't offer TB vaccination routinely in schools.

Ali