Firearms application, unaware of "low mood" marker on medical record

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alastairpei

New Member
Hi all

I put in my firearms application a few weeks ago and got an email on Thursday from Met firearms licensing explaining that the Proforma my GP filled in did not cover my entire medical record, and that I needed to get the Proforma redone with my full medical history and get it submitted. They also asked me to send my medical record to them. I found this a bit confusing as I thought my GP already had access to my full medical record, but after many calls I found out that my old GP at school was still holding onto my older records prior to 2020 and that they didn't transfer over when I switched GP's. That was fine and all and I requested my records from my old school so they could be sent to my GP to get another Proforma done, however reading through my old records I saw a marker for "low mood" in 2018 which must have been placed there when I sought out counselling for exam stress (I know, looking back it was a little petty). As I wasn't even aware that I had been marked for low mood, I didn't declare it in my application so I immediately notified the Met licensing team via email with the older medical records attached but I haven't heard back yet. I was wondering you had experienced anything similar while doing your application/renewal and what other steps I should take to try and remedy this in the meantime? I don't think they take calls anymore as I've tried to call their number but I just want to ensure everything is declared properly so it doesn't become an issue during the application.

Regards
Alastair
 
alastairpei said:
Hi all

I put in my firearms application a few weeks ago and got an email on Thursday from Met firearms licensing explaining that the Proforma my GP filled in did not cover my entire medical record, and that I needed to get the Proforma redone with my full medical history and get it submitted. They also asked me to send my medical record to them. I found this a bit confusing as I thought my GP already had access to my full medical record, but after many calls I found out that my old GP at school was still holding onto my older records prior to 2020 and that they didn't transfer over when I switched GP's. That was fine and all and I requested my records from my old school so they could be sent to my GP to get another Proforma done, however reading through my old records I saw a marker for "low mood" in 2018 which must have been placed there when I sought out counselling for exam stress (I know, looking back it was a little petty). As I wasn't even aware that I had been marked for low mood, I didn't declare it in my application so I immediately notified the Met licensing team via email with the older medical records attached but I haven't heard back yet. I was wondering you had experienced anything similar while doing your application/renewal and what other steps I should take to try and remedy this in the meantime? I don't think they take calls anymore as I've tried to call their number but I just want to ensure everything is declared properly so it doesn't become an issue during the application.

Regards
Alastair
Click to expand...
Just explain the situation at your interview, be honest and frank, as long as there has been nothing similar since you'll be fine.
 
alastairpei said:
Hi all

I put in my firearms application a few weeks ago and got an email on Thursday from Met firearms licensing explaining that the Proforma my GP filled in did not cover my entire medical record, and that I needed to get the Proforma redone with my full medical history and get it submitted. They also asked me to send my medical record to them. I found this a bit confusing as I thought my GP already had access to my full medical record, but after many calls I found out that my old GP at school was still holding onto my older records prior to 2020 and that they didn't transfer over when I switched GP's. That was fine and all and I requested my records from my old school so they could be sent to my GP to get another Proforma done, however reading through my old records I saw a marker for "low mood" in 2018 which must have been placed there when I sought out counselling for exam stress (I know, looking back it was a little petty). As I wasn't even aware that I had been marked for low mood, I didn't declare it in my application so I immediately notified the Met licensing team via email with the older medical records attached but I haven't heard back yet. I was wondering you had experienced anything similar while doing your application/renewal and what other steps I should take to try and remedy this in the meantime? I don't think they take calls anymore as I've tried to call their number but I just want to ensure everything is declared properly so it doesn't become an issue during the application.

Regards
Alastair
Click to expand...

l declared my lengthy period off work with job-related stress. Result? Open ticket, deer and OLQ.

Be honest and you’ll be fine.

maximus otter
 
As above, don't worry about it. As long as you're upfront you'll find they'll probably be remarkably sanguine about it. I'm actually taking Sertraline for anxiety and had no issues whatsoever when I notified Police Scotland. I don't think they even contacted my doctor at the time.
 
A good close friend had a pretty severe breakdown about 15 years ago. His family had a history of such blue moods. He transferred his rifle to me, and informed the police of this. He knew what was happening and few weeks later had a complete breakdown. He was hospitalised and underwent electric shock therapy. He learned the warning signs, what triggers an episode and how to avoid. As he tells it - he know where the deep water is, has learnt to swim to the shallow water if he does get into deep water, and does a life vest that he can deploy if needs be.

About 18 months after transferring his rifle the Met Police did write that now that he was better he could take his rifle back as there is no medical reason not to have access to firearms.

The much bigger concern are those who don’t accept that they are under stress and need help.

Until not that long ago medical records remained confidential even to the patient, as often there will be notes within about things that the patient are, in the view of Drs, better of not knowing. So in the case of the OP, Doctor puts a note that someone struggled a bit during exams. No great consequences, but could be useful if in the future the patient keeps representing the same or similar issues. Long gone are the days doctors knew their patients well enough to just commit such things to memory.
 
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I had a period of stress due to a divorce. Did my renewal and the Drs had marked it down as depression. I had no idea the tablets they fed me were antidepressants. Anyway it wasn’t even mentioned on my renewal. That was 15 years ago now and it comes up on my Dr form but he writes that he’s done a renewal form since for me.
 
After my illness 8 years ago, I went to the doctors only to find the majority in the practice had retired.
I chose one and have another as a back up in case the first isn’t available.

Comprehensive history, well documented and understood both by myself and the docs.
This includes suffering a couple bouts of delusion.

No issues with last two renewals after my illness as all my issues are known about.

My policy is be honest and truthful and as @Heym SR20 indicated, know the symptoms and have a plan of what to do, if you have regular occurrences.
 
I put down my time off for work related stress. I have now been retired 5 years so in fact totally irrelevant. Mentioned it to FEO not an issue.
D
 
From a medical point of view the biggest risk comes from those who don't recognise they are ill or don't seek help at the appropriate point

I really worry that certificate holders may not ask for help when they need it for fear of losing access to their guns. I really would encourage anyone who is struggling to seek help.

When feeling anxious or depressed your decision making and perception maybe skewed. This could mean you lose perspective and feel worried about speaking with your Doctor or Firearms Team when actually, they would likely be supportive

The police are interested in risk. They are more worried if you get into street fights or abuse your partner than if you are stressed, depressed or anxious

If having thougths of harming yourself then a conversation can be had about how to manage that risk. That may include removing guns but also other potential sources of harm and providing the appropriate level of support

The pragmatic and honest approach described previously should give those feeling mentally unwell encouragement to seek help as per @Heym SR20 post
 
alastairpei said:
Hi all

I put in my firearms application a few weeks ago and got an email on Thursday from Met firearms licensing explaining that the Proforma my GP filled in did not cover my entire medical record, and that I needed to get the Proforma redone with my full medical history and get it submitted. They also asked me to send my medical record to them. I found this a bit confusing as I thought my GP already had access to my full medical record, but after many calls I found out that my old GP at school was still holding onto my older records prior to 2020 and that they didn't transfer over when I switched GP's. That was fine and all and I requested my records from my old school so they could be sent to my GP to get another Proforma done, however reading through my old records I saw a marker for "low mood" in 2018 which must have been placed there when I sought out counselling for exam stress (I know, looking back it was a little petty). As I wasn't even aware that I had been marked for low mood, I didn't declare it in my application so I immediately notified the Met licensing team via email with the older medical records attached but I haven't heard back yet. I was wondering you had experienced anything similar while doing your application/renewal and what other steps I should take to try and remedy this in the meantime? I don't think they take calls anymore as I've tried to call their number but I just want to ensure everything is declared properly so it doesn't become an issue during the application.

Regards
Alastair
Click to expand...
I’ve entered low mood on every renewal and variation since my very first shotgun application which was refereed by my old GP 25 years ago, the new FEO nearly didn’t renew me 2 years ago if it wasn’t for my GP is I seen 5 times in 15 years who called me and I explained and then she called the rozzers and my ticket turned up 2 days later.

You know you’ve had a ticket a long time when 3 FEO’s (the good ones!) have retired and now your dealing with ones who a new to the job!

I will add my “new” one is shaping up
 
Be cautious you need to declare relevant ailments regardless of time frames or circumstances. In general fld are not really interested in minor mental health episodes. As long as you sort the relevant treatment and advice. Where you will encounter problems if you fail to disclose. There is a criminal offence to fail to disclose a relevant sympton or offence.
Be open and honest and if its in your past try and estimate the date.
 
I've fractured my spine and am currently on pretty heavy doses of meds, this has got me wondering if that will be of interest at renewal, but given when I was granted my FAC it was shortly after my initial spinal injury and recovery with all the goodies to manage the pain, it didn't impact from my medical report, I should be ok? What I mean is I don't think I have to disclose anything beyond what my GP will say?
 
oldhamstocks said:
What I mean is I don't think I have to disclose anything beyond what my GP will say?
Click to expand...
@oldhamstocks

There is the 'drop down' menu of conditions, that applicants have to declare whether or not they have been diagnosed/treated with.

A broken back is not on that list.

Your GP/Medical nominee will indicate if there are/are not, any issues which they feel should be raised to the Police. Let them do their job.

Apropos broken backs.

I too broke mine at work (don't ask)...
Unknown.jpeg




... and spent a wee while 'out of the game', it had absolutely no impact on my ability to own firearms.

I suspect you are over thinking it - which is what the damn process makes you do.

Wishing you a speedy and full recovery.
 
oldhamstocks said:
I've fractured my spine and am currently on pretty heavy doses of meds, this has got me wondering if that will be of interest at renewal, but given when I was granted my FAC it was shortly after my initial spinal injury and recovery with all the goodies to manage the pain, it didn't impact from my medical report, I should be ok? What I mean is I don't think I have to disclose anything beyond what my GP will say?
Click to expand...
Fwiw.
I take Codeine and Gabepentin. Not sure if they are in the same classification as your meds, but Gabapentin is a controlled drug. There was no issue with my renewal at beginning of this year.
 
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