With foster carer recruitment top of the UK government’s agenda for 2026, today we’re taking a look at the importance of timely medical reports in the fostering process.
Why Are Timely Medical Reports So Important to the Fostering Process?
As of the 31st of March 2025, there were 81,770 children in care in England alone. The number for the whole of the UK is estimated to be 104,577, with 107 children coming into care every single day.
Figures such as these make it easier to understand why the fostering assessment process needs to be as streamlined and efficient as possible, without compromising on its rigour.
One of the key aspects of the fostering assessment is the fostering medical assessment, which gives local authorities (LAs) and independent fostering agencies a clear and accurate picture of an applicant’s health along with an expert opinion on how this might impact them as a foster carer, and any recommendations for further investigations or lifestyle changes.
Without this, fostering agencies wouldn’t have the medical knowledge or expertise to understand how a foster carer’s past or current health might affect their ability to provide a safe, stable home for a child or young person in the care system.
Prompt and accurate medical reporting can therefore help the fostering process and prevent unnecessary delays, which not only impact fostering agencies and local authorities, but prospective carers, and the thousands of children in care, who are waiting for a suitable foster placement.
The Process and Timescales of a Fostering Medical Report
So, what is the process of a fostering medical report?
At Orr Medical, we understand the need for the fostering medical assessment process to be efficient and timely. From the moment we receive the completed AH or AH2 forms, our goal is to return the completed medical report as quickly as possible, with a commitment to delivering reports within 10 working days. This is, of course, assuming that all necessary information has been provided and there’s no need for any additional inquiries.
If agencies have any questions on receipt of the completed report, these, too, are handled promptly to avoid disruptions or delays in the fostering assessment process. However, we strive to be as thorough as possible in our initial reports, to reduce the need for follow-up questions and provide a smoother service. We also operate exclusively through electronic processes, ensuring fast, secure, and efficient communication.
When it comes to timescales for fostering medical reports, we guarantee all reports will be completed within 10 working days, and we’re also pleased to offer a rapid turnaround service for those agencies requiring immediate support. This allows us to prepare same-day or next-day medical reports (subject to availability and an additional fee).
What Can Prospective Foster Carers Do to Speed Up the Process?
There are steps candidates can take to help expedite the fostering medical assessment process.
Familiarise Yourself With the Process
Understanding what the fostering assessment process involves, the timescales, and the various steps it entails, means you’ll have a clear picture of how it works, what’s expected of you, and where your application is up to at any given time.
Get Your Paperwork Sorted
Much of the first stage of your fostering assessment is about checks and references to ensure that you’re who you say you are, that you don’t have any criminal history, and that you're in a position to foster legally and financially. Make sure you have all your documents together and easily to hand to help speed up this part in the process.
Be Medical-Ready
Your fostering medical check is usually undertaken by your regular GP at your local medical practice, although it may also be done by a qualified GP who specialises in fostering medical assessments.
You can get ready for your fostering medical by scheduling an appointment with your GP at the earliest convenience so they can assess your current health and complete the required forms for your fostering agency.
Be open and honest about your health, and be prepared to answer questions about any medical conditions, ongoing tests or investigations or medications you’re taking.
Remember that your fostering agency wants you to succeed and that they aren’t looking for reasons to prevent you from fostering. They simply need to know that you’re in good enough health to take care of a vulnerable child or young person, and that doing so won’t put any strain on your own health and wellbeing.
If you know you might need to make lifestyle changes to foster, such as cutting down or stopping smoking, or making healthier choices around your diet and exercise, then now is a good time to start putting that into action.
If your fostering medical is being undertaken by someone other than your usual GP, you may also need to request access to your medical records. Bear in mind that this can take up to 28 days.
Same-Day and Urgent Medical Reports From Orr Medical
We hope this has explained the importance of timely medical reports in the fostering process.
The need for thorough, timely fostering medical reports is a key aspect of the service we provide at Orr Medical, and we’re proud to have the capability to deliver same-day, urgent reports where necessary.
Contact us today to discuss your needs or call 01772 915861 to arrange an expedited service.