Article 6 Medical examinations
United Kingdom
Before being recruited, a staff member shall be examined by a medical doctor authorised by the SATCEN certifying that he is physically fit to perform his duties.
Staff members shall be required to undergo a medical examination each year.
A doctor authorised by the SATCEN shall provide expert advice to the Director on the unsuitability of any staff member to continue to occupy his post.
Where a negative medical opinion is given as a result of the medical examination provided for in paragraphs 1 and 3, the candidate or staff member may, within 20 days of being notified of this opinion by the SATCEN, request that his case be submitted for the opinion of a medical committee composed of three doctors, with one being chosen by the Director, one by the staff member and one by the two other doctors.
The medical committee shall hear the doctor responsible for the initial negative opinion. Where the medical committee confirms the negative conclusion of the medical examination provided for:
in paragraph 1, the candidate shall pay 50 % of the fees and of the incidental costs;
in paragraph 3, the SATCEN shall first attempt to reassign the staff member to another post suitable to his condition. If this is not possible, the SATCEN shall terminate his contract with six months' notice and the invalidity board shall be convened to establish his entitlement to invalidity pension under the conditions laid down in the Pension Schemes Rules of the SATCEN.