The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Frankly I'm surprised anybody interested in shooting sports confides in their GP at all these days.
It's got to the point that you are watching for self-incriminating questions and are moved to lie about the slightest things to future proof against unintended consequences.

Dark Skies wrote:Frankly I'm surprised anybody interested in shooting sports confides in their GP at all these days.
It's got to the point that you are watching for self-incriminating questions and are moved to lie about the slightest things to future proof against unintended consequences.

Said this to a mate months ago. People will be afraid to go to the docs, for something that is perfectly treatable, but without treatment, could be an issue. Crazy situation.

Terrible situation this. People with treatable depression for whom their weekly range trip is one of the few bits of pleasure in life.

It just breeds paranoia, depression and isolation. There has to be a more sensible solution.

Has anyone's doctor actually been solely instrumental in a refusal to grant or renew an FAC yet?

Pete

Pete wrote:Has anyone's doctor actually been solely instrumental in a refusal to grant or renew an FAC yet?

Pete

I'd like to know this too, especially for anyone who has no 'conditions'/issues. I just can't see an appeal being upheld on it at all.

Dorset_shooter wrote:
If I didn't really love this sport I would have chucked the towel in along time ago.

One would think there is an agenda from higher up

Furiouspilgrim wrote:

Dark Skies wrote:Frankly I'm surprised anybody interested in shooting sports confides in their GP at all these days.
It's got to the point that you are watching for self-incriminating questions and are moved to lie about the slightest things to future proof against unintended consequences.

Said this to a mate months ago. People will be afraid to go to the docs, for something that is perfectly treatable, but without treatment, could be an issue. Crazy situation.

I discussed this with my GP on my last renewal. She told me that doctors are aware of this issue and concerned about it. However, it is not new nor do FAC/SGC holders provide the primary dilemma. There is a large and growing number of conditions that should be reported to the DVLA and where the driving license will likely be withdrawn. There are others that may affect people's ability to drive safely, but aren't mandated for automatic reporting, but the GP will advise the patient not to drive. If he or she continues to do so or refuses the treatment that puts the GP on the spot.

With the need to drive vital to everyday life and in many cases employment for huge numbers of people, GPs are very concerned that patients avoid treatment or refuse to take drugs that have side effects that affect driving ability, also of the moral and medical difficulty that a 'marginal medical call' places on doctors. 'Playing safe' can see a doctor destroy somebody's livelihood or ability to remain in their home perhaps unnecessarily; go the other way and a potentially dangerous driver remains on the road or his/her long-term health suffers.

The same issues affect non-recreational SGC/FAC holders of course. Many people such as gamekeepers and estate workers may lose not only their job, but also a tied house if a health issue results in the certificate being suspended. Some such have told me they won't go to a doctor at all now unless it's essnential.

All thrown into chaos, when you consider the Glasgow Dustcart driver who repeatedly misled doctors as to his health, ending when he passed out at the wheel killing 6 people. He wasn't prosecuted, lost his licence and subsequently caught driving when he had his ban extended.
So perception for many may well be, hiding an issue is a gamble worth taking.

When I first started shooting back in the 70's, there was apparently a far smaller "perceived risk" when it came to issuing FAC's.
I don't remember having to involve a GP unless I'd nominated one as a referee.
I can only conclude that Joe Public is becoming more stupid, and more dangerous, as time goes by, not to mention more numerous..............

Pete

Given todays news regarding Dr. Watt, perhaps the focus is in the wrong place.