Network Rail PTS medical

What do you need to bring with you for a PTS Medical?

Prior to your Network Rail PTS Medical appointment, we will require the following information from you:

1. Sponsor name
2. Sponsor contact number
3. Sponsor email address
4. Sentinel number (if applicable)

You must bring the following with you for a PTS medical:

• Photo Identification, e.g. driving licence, passport, or current PTS/Sentinel card. (Copies will not be accepted. If satisfactory photographic identification is not shown the appointment may be cancelled).
• Proof of national insurance number. e.g. NI Card, Payslip or P60.
• Sentinel card – if already issued (if applicable for PTS assessments).

In addition, we advise that candidates bring a list of any current prescribed medication. Also, the PTS medical includes an audiometry (hearing) test. As a result, we advise that candidates should not be exposed to loud noises prior to their appointment.

If worn, the candidate must bring their glasses with them. Also, if contact lenses are worn, bring the container to keep them in while the vision test is being performed.

Finally, we recommend candidates wear loose clothing to their appointment. This helps when taking blood pressure readings and for comfort when performing the balance and mobility test.

What happens after the PTS medical?

First, we review the findings of your medical. This will be undertaken by an Occupational Health Technician at our head office in Manchester. Once the review is complete, we will either upload the results to Sentinel, or request further information. This is usually within one to two working days after your medical appointment. You will receive any notifications by email and/or telephone.

It is important to understand that we must adhere to Network Rail standards when performing and reviewing PTS medical assessments. Any non-compliance with the standards could have serious consequences on the rail network. If we do have to refer your medical results to our Occupational Physician, we will keep you fully informed throughout the process.

What happens at the PTS rail medical?

First, we will ask the candidate to complete a medical questionnaire. Next, depending on the output from the questionnaire, we will perform all or some of the following:

• Protein and glucose test using a urine sample.
• Completion of an Epworth sleep questionnaire.
• Blood pressure and pulse.
• Height, weight and BMI.
• Assess mobility and balance.
• Perform a visual acuity test including colour vision and visual field.
• Perform an audiometry test.

At the end of your appointment, we may also give some general health advice on BMI, smoking, alcohol use and blood pressure. We may also inform you that we need further health related information. For example, from your GP or optician.

In addition, we may also perform a drug and alcohol test during your medical. This is dependant on your sponsor’s requirements. The Network Rail drug and alcohol test consists of a urine drug test and breath alcohol screen.

How much does a PTS rail medical cost?

The price of the PTS medical depends on the following factors:

• The number of candidates booked for one appointment. For example, we offer discounts for multiple candidate bookings.
• Whether the PTS medical is to be performed at a medical centre or on-site at your location.
• The location of the medical centre.
• Whether drug and alcohol testing is to be performed with the medical.

For example, booking a PTS medical at our Manchester Clinic starts at just £120 per candidate incl. VAT. Discounts are applied for multiple candidates. For instance, the price of the medical drops to £90 per person incl. VAT for five candidates or more.

What if you were to have a Network Rail drug and alcohol test with the medical? Using the same example from above, one candidate would be £210. Booking multiple candidates can be as little as £168 per person for five people or more.

Prices can vary depending on the above factors. So please always check when booking your appointment.