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Safeguarding the health of those who work on and under the waves
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... in Bridge of Allan, Central Scotland
About
The Scottish Medicals website was set up in 2023 to provide an easy way of booking appointments for occupational health medicals with Dr Sarah Zacheshigriva. It was originally aimed for commercial divers, but over time we have also been able to support recreational divers, offshore workers and anyone that requires some of the investigations that we can offer such as ECGs, spirometry and audiometry.
Commercial Divers, as per the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, must have a valid certificate of fitness to dive issued by an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED). AMEDs are approved by HSE to conduct statutory medical examinations on divers to ensure they are fit to dive. The certificate of fitness is valid for up to 12 months.
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Recreational divers may require a medical by a UKDMC approved medical referee. If you are a recreational diver, please scroll down to the "Recreational Diver" section for more information. Please note, we are only able to see those aged 18 and over in the clinic.
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Offshore workers require an assessment on their fitness to work offshore by a doctor on the OEUK register, at least every 2 years.
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Even if you aren't a diver, or work in the offshore industry, we can provide investigations such as ECG, spirometry, audiometry and the chester step test at your request.
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About
Dr Sarah Zacheshigriva
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Occupational Physician and GP
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MBChB MRCGP(2018) DipIBLM(2019) DOccMed
Dr. Sarah Zacheshigriva is a highly qualified medical professional specialising in diving medicine. With a medical degree from Edinburgh University, training in general practice, a postgraduate diplomas in occupational and lifestyle medicine, she combines her passion for diving with extensive medical expertise.
As a former chairman of the Edinburgh University Sub Aqua Club and a SCUBA instructor since 2008, Dr. Zacheshigriva has a deep understanding of diving physiology and safety. She has supported multiple expedition organisations as their expedition medic from Scotland to Cuba and Central America.
Her credentials include being an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED) for the UK Health and Safety Executive, a medical referee for the UK Diving Medical Committee, and a medical examiner for Offshore Energies UK.
Dr. Zacheshigriva provides comprehensive medical services for recreational and commercial divers, as well as for the offshore industry. Her broad experience allows her to advise on health requirements for offshore work and diving, optimize health in safety-critical roles, and promote fitness along the Scottish coastline.
With her unique blend of medical knowledge and practical diving experience, Dr. Zacheshigriva is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of divers and offshore workers alike.
Which medical is best for you?
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The following divers will need to have an Initial HSE Diving Medical:
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All divers attending for their first HSE Diving Medical
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Existing divers whose last HSE diving medical was over 12 months ago.
All working divers who are approaching the expiry date of their current MA2, will need a renewal diver medical.
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Return to Work Medicals
If you work offshore or as a diver and you have had sickness absence or evacuated from work, you must be re-examined to assess your fitness to return to work. This does not replace your annual medical examination. You should contact us after a period of illness or injury to consider if re-examination is required.
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Recreational SCUBA divers who are members of the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club, British Sub-Aqua Club or Sub-Aqua Association complete a Medical Declaration Form, and if they answer "Yes" to any of these conditions, they will need to contact a UKDMC Medical Referee. You can book a face to face appointment. Please see further details on the recreational diver section. Unfortunately, we are only able to see those aged 18 and over in the clinic.
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OEUK (Previously known as OGUK) Medicals
Offshore workers require an assessment at least every 2 years on their fitness to work offshore. We can also assess for fitness to work as part of the offshore Emergency Response Team (ERT) and on fitness to train (using the PSTASS emergency breathing equipment). We can also provide alcohol and drug screening, and the required investigations for offshore catering crew on request.
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I am able to visit Scotland and further afield by prior arrangement to provide a range of other services. If you would like to arrange these, please email in advance for further details on availability and price. These may include:
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University Lectures/presentation
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Conference presentation
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Commercial visits/presentation
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Talks/presentations for diving clubs
It can be a challenge to access some investigations through the NHS currently, and so we also provide the following services to those who don't work in the offshore industry or as divers:
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ECG (to check the heart rhythm)
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Spirometry (breathing test)
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Audiometry (hearing test)
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Chester Step Test (fitness test)
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Laboratory Investigations (bloods, stool, urine tests)
Booking your Appointment
100 British pounds
50 British pounds
150 British pounds
200 British pounds
50 British pounds
200 British pounds
200 British pounds
220 British pounds
300 British pounds- 270 British pounds
50 British pounds
100 British pounds
100 British pounds
As a recreational diver you will need to complete a self assessment form. If you have any health concerns from this form, you will be prompted to contact a UKDMC medical referee for an assessment of your fitness to dive. If you're in this position we have a simple process to guide you on the next steps....
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Firstly, please collect the 2 (or 3 if you have diabetes or a mental health problem) forms below and then email them to info@scottishmedicals.co.uk
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Once you have emailed these, you are now ready to book your appointment through the website.
At your 30 minute appointment we will advise on any medical conditions and your fitness to dive. In most cases, we are able to provide your certificate of fitness to dive on the day, but occassionally we may need to contact your GP or consultant, with your consent, for further information.
Ask your GP receptionist for a summary sheet
Preparation before your appointment...
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Pre- appointment
Questionnaires
Paperwork is required ahead of all of the appointments. Please see below to guide which paperwork is right for you, and then email these to:
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Please complete your self-declaration form, and ask your GP for a GP summary, and send both of these back by email.
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If you are a commercial diver, send your full MA2 form (your previous medical report). If you do not have an MA2 form that is dated within the last 12 months (eg. if it is lost/expired/or you are a new diver) you should complete the HSE initial medical questionnaire.
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Ask your GP to sign it to confirm the medical history from your medical records, your GP will charge a fee for this as it is non-NHS work. The HSE have stated you must get your GP to complete this form and bring it with you. It will not be possible to issue the medical without this.
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For OEUK medicals, please complete the following form and return by email. If it is your first OEUK you may also need to also complete this form for your fitness for offshore training.
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Bring with you...
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Photo ID – passport or driving licence​
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Comfortable clothing and trainers, ready for an exercise test.
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Your glasses (do not wear contact lenses, as they are removed for the eyesight test).
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Any inhalers you have.
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A bottle of water can be useful following your exercise test.
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On the day...
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You may eat before your medical, but it is best avoiding any heavy meals prior to your appointment that may make you feel uncomfortable during the Step Test.
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Avoid coffee and alcohol that day as it may affect your fitness results.
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We will ask you for a urine sample during your appointment, so drink plenty of water ahead of time.
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Avoid loud noises before your arrival - we will be testing your hearing.
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Aim to arrive 10 minutes early so that you are relaxed ahead of your Step Test.
During your appointment....
Your appointment will take around 1-2 hours. The doctor will perform medical checks in line with the guidance and stardards (HSE/OEUK/UKDMC) and the appointment will cover the following aspects:
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Assessing your work history, past medical history and assessing your overall health.
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Listing any medication you’re currently taking on the medical form.
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Performing a thorough physical examination including checking your height, weight and blood pressure.
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Your medical may include some of the following routine investigations:
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Testing your urine for glucose, blood and protein, indicative of diabetes and kidney problems.
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Checking your eyesight.
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Spirometry (lung function test).
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Assessing your exercise capacity using the a fitness test known as the Chester Step Test.
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Audiometry (hearing test)
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Selected additional tests, such as ECG, if indicated.
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Chester Step Test
The Chester Step Test is used to assess your aerobic capacity and involves stepping onto and off a step in time to a beat. This increases in speed every two minutes and your heart rate will be monitored throughout the test. The test is usually continued until you are exercising at 80% of your maximum heart rate or complete the full duration, which lasts a maximum of ten minutes.
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Please don’t drink alcohol or coffee for 24 hours prior to your Chester Step Test, as this may affect your results. It is not recommended to eat a large meal prior to the test as you may feel nauseated.
...At the end of your appointment..
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As long as there are no medical issues that require further specialist assessment, the decision is made immediately.
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If you pass, you will be issued with a certificate of medical fitness which you can take with you.
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If there are concerns about your fitness to dive, with your consent, we may request further information from your GP or consultant and seek the advice of the UKDMC.
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If there are concerns about your fitness to work offshore, we may request to discuss this with your Operator Medical Advisor, as some offshore installations may able to support a suitable work environment for people with some health conditions.
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Keep your MA2 certificate safe, as you will need to show this at your next medical. HSE Diving Inspectors may ask to see the first page of your current MA2 to ensure you have medical clearance to dive. The HSE is informed with basic details of the diver and their fitness to dive assessment outcome, following the assessment.
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If you fail, or are found to be fit to dive with restrictions, you will be informed of the reason. You have the right to appeal to the HSE within 28 days for a review of the decision. Details of the appeals process can be found on the HSE website (see link below).
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It is a legal obligation of divers not to dive at work if they know of anything that would make them unfit to dive.
Bookings
Diving Medical Certificates
last a maximum of 1 year.
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Offshore Medical Certificates last a maximum of 2 years.
For the HSE diver medicals, it is possible to book your medical one month in advance of its expiry, and for your new medical to be one year on from your old expiry date. So you don’t lose any time.
Cancellations
We are committed to providing all of our clients with exceptional care. When a client cancels without giving enough notice, they prevent another from being seen. Please notify us of any changes or cancellations to your appointment as far in advance as possible.
Please ensure you complete any required "Pre-appointment paperwork" via your GP prior to booking your appointment with Scottish Medicals to avoid any cancellation fees.
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Please read the terms and conditions including cancellation fees, when confirming your appointment.
You can notify us by email regarding any changes: info@scottishmedicals.co.uk
Contact Us
Conveniently located in central Scotland...
Scottish Medicals
Willow Health
1 Union Street
Bridge of Allan
Stirling
FK9 4NS
The clinic is found in the beautiful village of Bridge of Allan. Conveniently located in Central Scotland with access to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth and Dundee within an hour.
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We are a 10 minute walk from Bridge of Allan train station.
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On your arrival, please collect a clipboard and take a seat whilst you complete your questionnaires.
It is useful to aim to arrive a few minutes early so that you have plenty of time, and to keep your heart rate low ahead of your fitness test.
Opening Hours
Mon & Tues
8:00 am – 6:00 pm clinic appointments
Thu & Fri
8:00 am – 6:00 pm workplace visits