Medmigration Clinic

Medmigration Clinic is based at the Bridgewater Hospital and is accredited by the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship using the eHealth system, offering medicals for those wishing to obtain a visa to either visit, work or emigrate to Australia or New Zealand. If you are planning to visit or emigrate to Australia or New Zealand you will require a visa. Part of the criteria for obtaining a visa is that applicants maybe required to undergo a medical examination with a Panel Doctor.

The Medmigration Clinic medical team consists:-
2 Panel Doctors – Dr R Million and Dr B Smith
2 Radiologists – Dr R Bisset and Professor N Thomas

These are supported by a team of Radiographers, Nurses, Phlebotomist’s and Health Care Assistants. There is also a very knowledgeable team of Advisors and Administrators who can answer any questions you may have regarding medicals. You may find most of your questions are answered below. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if your query is not covered.

Full, accurate, up to date information can be found on the Australian Immigration website http://www.immi.gov.au/ but we have summarised the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in respect of the Medical and Health requirements.

What is a Panel Doctor?

A Panel Doctor is a Doctor or Radiologist who has been appointed by the Australian Government to perform medical examinations on visa applicants who have applied from outside Australia or New Zealand. As the Bridgewater Hospital is both a medical and radiology centre, for those applicants who will require an x-ray as part of their medical is not necessary to book separate appointments with a Panel Doctor and a Radiologist. We will take care of all elements of your medical in one visit.

When should I book my medical?

You should only book your medical examination when you have been requested to do so by the office processing your visa application.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. You do not require a referral to either a Panel Doctor or a Radiologist prior to attending for your visa medical.

What will my medical consist of?

This depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The duration of your stay, your circumstances, your age, existing health conditions and your intended activities in Australia or New Zealand. Your ‘Case Officer’,if you have already submitted your visa application will advise you. Otherwise you can refer to the information below.

Temporary visa applicants, including those aged 75 or over

Please see attached:
Information Form 1163i Health requirement for temporary entry to Australia ( 55K B PDF file)
Supplement to Form 1163i Complete country listings for the health assessment matrix ( 25K B PDF file)

Permanent visa applicants

All members of your immediate family, including dependent family members who do not intend to migrate, must meet the health requirement. This includes all children under the age of 18 years as well as other dependants, regardless of whether they live with you.

See: Information Form 1071i Health requirement for permanent entry to Australia ( 50KB PDF file)

How much detail do you require in terms of my medical history?

It is a strict requirement that you provide a full and accurate disclosure of your medical history and details of any known medical conditions. False information or client substitution may result in your application being refused.

What will happen if the Panel Doctor decides further medical tests are required?

The Panel Doctor will refer you to an appropriate specialist. The Panel Doctor will liaise with the specialist to obtain your test results/ examination report and will submit these together with your medical report to the eHealth online system.

How much does the medical cost?

The cost of the medical depends on a number of factors. Please call to discuss your requirements – 0161 227 0063.

The applicant is responsible for paying all fees relating to your medical, including any onward referrals, specialist tests, investigations or treatment. If the Panel Doctor finds it necessary to refer you to a Specialist for further tests, consultation and/or treatment any associated costs/fees will be your responsibility. We will endeavour to provide you with accurate costs before hand.

What documentation should I bring to my medical?

your passport
a verified photocopy of the passport page that includes your photograph, name and date of birth (for identification purposes)
Note: If you attend a health examination in Australia, you must present your valid passport or you may not be able to undergo your health examination.
your prescription spectacles or contact lenses
existing specialist and/or other relevant medical reports for known medical conditions
previous chest x-rays.

If you are completing your health examination after you have lodged your visa application, you must also bring either:

a ‘Health Examination Referral Letter’ or Form 26EH and/or Form 160EH available when completing your online application
a ‘Health Examination List’ provided by your case officer together with paper health examination forms unless you will be completing your health examination electronically
any other documentation/health client identifier provided by your case officer together with your paper health examination forms unless you will be completing your health examination electronically.

What happens when my medical is complete?

Please Note the Panel Doctor does not make the final decision on whether or not you meet the health requirements for your visa application. This decision is made by the immigration department following a thorough assessment of all information provided.

Please call or email us if your questions have not been answered above.

tel: 0161 227 0063
e: medmigration@bridgewaterhospital.com