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Specialists in Fostering Health

Adoption medical Checklist

Adoption Medical Checklist: How to Prepare

Understand exactly what happens before, during and after your adoption medical, and attend with confidence.

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Preparing for your adoption medical helps the appointment run smoothly and is a small but important part of your wider application. Knowing what to expect, and what to bring, means your GP can complete your report without unnecessary follow-up.
Many applicants are unsure exactly what information they'll need, or whether an existing health condition will affect their application. In reality, the assessment is designed to give a fair, balanced picture of your health, and a little preparation goes a long way.

Adoption Medicals Guides

How It Works

Complete your medical information in advance. You'll usually be asked for details of your medical history, current health, medication, lifestyle, and a general family medical history. Having this ready in advance helps your GP complete the assessment and physical form without follow-up delays.

Attend your assessment. Typically 30–60 minutes: a review of medical history, physical checks (height, weight/BMI, blood pressure, urine sample), and discussion of any current conditions.

Be open about your health. The assessment isn't about ruling people out; it's about understanding your overall health in the context of long-term care. Being open allows for a fair, accurate report.

After your appointment. Your GP completes CoramBAAF Form AH1 (new applicants) or AH2 (review assessments), which is submitted to your adoption agency, typically within 10 working days.

Where Delays Commonly Occur

What Happens During the Assessment

The assessment typically involves a general review of your physical health, a discussion of any medical conditions and how they're managed, and consideration of your mental wellbeing. This is not a pass or fail test; it's a professional evaluation designed to support your application and give your adoption agency the information it needs.


Should You Be Concerned About Health Conditions?

Most existing conditions are assessed in context. The focus is on how well a condition is managed and its likely long-term impact, not on excluding applicants. Stable, well-managed conditions such as diabetes or a history of cancer don't automatically prevent approval.


Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

The most frequent causes of delay are avoidable: turning up without a list of current medications, not knowing which form (AH1 or AH2) your agency needs, leaving family medical history blank, or not requesting GP records early enough for them to arrive in time. Working through the checklist above before you book removes most of these.

If You've Already Had a Fostering Medical

Some applicants have already been through a fostering medical, whether they're now adopting as well or moving from fostering to adoption. The preparation is much the same, though the paperwork differs: fostering medicals typically use a single Form AH, while adoption medicals use Form AH1 or AH2 depending on whether it's a new application or a review. Your previous experience of the appointment itself is a reasonable guide to what to expect, even though the form is different.


What if You Forget to Mention Something?

It's important to be open and accurate. If something is missed, it can usually be clarified afterwards with your GP or medical adviser, but being prepared in advance helps avoid that follow-up delay altogether.


Making the Process Easier

Being organised, honest about your health, and using a provider experienced specifically in adoption medicals (rather than general NHS admin) all help keep the process moving.

Why Applicants Choose Orr Medical

Standard GP
Several weeks delays
GP backlog
Unpredictable reports

Orr Medical
10 day turnaround
Fast booking
Specialist GP-led

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption Medical Checklists

Do I need to bring anything to my adoption medical?

Identification, details of current medication, and any relevant medical or family history; your provider will confirm specifics beforehand.


Should I be worried about failing an adoption medical?

No, it isn't a pass/fail assessment. It's designed to give a fair, balanced picture of your health, and most applicants with well-managed conditions are approved without issue.


What if I forget to mention a medical condition?

It's important to be accurate; anything missed can usually be clarified afterwards, though preparation helps avoid delay.


Will I be asked about my family's medical history?

Yes, a general family history of hereditary conditions is typically discussed as context alongside your own health.


How long should I set aside for the appointment?

Usually between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how much discussion is needed, so it's worth allowing a little extra time in your schedule just in case.


Do I need to get my GP records myself?

Sometimes; your provider will confirm whether you need to request these in advance or whether they'll be requested for you.


Book Your Adoption Medical Without Delay

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If you’re ready to complete your adoption medical quickly and keep your application moving, Orr Medical provides fast, professional GP-led assessments across the UK.
  • Fast appointments available
  • Prompt report turnaround
  • UK-wide coverage
  • Trusted by applicants and agencies
Learn more about the full adoption medicals process.