Importance of Early Completion of the CS&PF Medical Form

The CS&PF medical form is a mandatory requirement for participation in an English Channel swim. Early completion is crucial to ensure your swim application proceeds smoothly and meets the 28th February deadline. Delays can risk disqualification, cause logistical challenges, and increase stress

 

Paperwork can be found here:

English Channel Relay Documents

Getting your Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF) medical form completed as soon as possible is essential for several reasons:

1. Mandatory Requirement for Swim Approval

  • The CS&PF requires the medical form to ensure you are medically fit to undertake the swim, which is physically and mentally demanding. Without a completed and approved form, your swim application cannot proceed, and you won’t be allowed to participate​​.

2. Strict Deadlines

  • The CS&PF requires that the completed medical form be submitted by 28th  February. Missing this deadline could invalidate your application, jeopardising your swim​​.

3. Time to Address Medical Concerns

  • If your doctor identifies any health issues during the medical assessment, you will need time to address these before being cleared to swim. Delays could reduce your window to resolve potential problems.

4. Scheduling Challenges

  • Doctors who are familiar with Channel swimming requirements may have limited availability, especially as deadlines approach. Early booking increases your chances of securing a convenient appointment.

5. Coordination with Team and Training

  • For relay swims, all team members must submit their medical forms. Delays by one member could hinder the entire team’s preparations. Additionally, an early assessment allows you to adapt your training based on medical advice.

6. Avoiding Last-Minute Stress

  • Completing the form early ensures you have enough time to check for any errors, gather additional information if required, and avoid the stress of a last-minute rush.

7. Pilot and CS&PF Requirements

  • Pilots and the CS&PF need the medical form to assess your suitability for the swim and for insurance and safety planning. Having the form ready well in advance avoids administrative complications.

8. Preparation for Unforeseen Delays

  • Unexpected issues such as illness, injury, or scheduling conflicts can arise. Completing your form early provides a buffer to manage these situations.

1. Your Local GP

  • Why: Start here for convenience and familiarity with your medical history.
  • How: Contact your GP surgery to schedule a sports medical assessment.
  • Important: Bring the CS&PF medical assessment form for completion.

2. Corrie Smith (Mermedic Medicals)

  • Location: The Divergent Space, Skipton (close to Coach Street car park).
  • Email: mermedicmedicals@gmail.com
  • Social Media: Search for “Mermedic” on Facebook.
  • Speciality: Tailored for swimmers, including CS&PF, CSA, and IISA medicals. Willing to travel for teams if needed.

3. Dr Miguel Arbide

  • Location: 47 The Common, West Wratting, Cambridge, CB21 5LR.
  • Email: marbide79@gmail.com
  • Speciality: Offers flexible timings and experience with swimmer medicals.

4. SwimmingMedicals.co.uk

  • Service Area: Nationwide in the UK.
  • Website: swimmingmedicals.co.uk
  • Speciality: Swimmer-specific medicals conducted by trained professionals.

5. Spa Private Medical Services (SPMS)

  • Location: Cheltenham.
  • Website: spamedical.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 1242 740 400
  • Speciality: Private GP services, including sports and endurance medicals.

6. London Doctors Clinic

  • Locations: Multiple locations across London.
  • Website: londondoctorsclinic.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 207 079 0555
  • Speciality: Convenient medicals for those based in London.

7. Dr Mark Harper

  • Location: Brighton, UK.
  • Speciality: Expert in cold water swimming and hypothermia prevention.
  • Contact: Search for Dr Mark Harper via professional directories or Brighton-based private medical services.

8. Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE

  • Location: Loughborough, UK.
  • Website: drjuliebradshaw.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 1509 215 121
  • Speciality: Experienced swimmer and provider of Channel-specific medicals.

9. Dr David Erskine

  • Location: Dover, UK.
  • Contact: Search for Dr Erskine through local Dover medical directories or Channel swimming resources.
  • Speciality: Focus on swimmer medicals with in-depth knowledge of Channel conditions.

10. Dr Jane Smith

  • Location: Bristol, UK.
  • Contact: Search for Dr Smith via private Bristol medical services or sports clinics.
  • Speciality: Comprehensive medicals for endurance athletes and Channel swimmers.

11. Dr Peter Attia

  • Location: London, UK.
  • Speciality: Cardiovascular and endurance fitness assessments for athletes.
  • Contact: Search for Dr Peter Attia through London-based sports clinics.

11. Dr Paul

  • Location: Maidenhead, UK
  • Speciality: Swimming and Sports Medicals by experienced GP/endurance swimmer: Channel Solo, Channel Relay, long distance, ice mile swims.
  • Contact: Search for Dr Paul 07730 217179 – drpaul@swimsportmedicals.co.uk.