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Medical panel backs diabetic assesments
Page 13
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By Chris Tindall A GOVERNMENT medical advisory panel says it supports the introduction of individual assessments for HGV drivers with diabetes.
The recommendation comes after a European Directive overturned existing medical advice that banned diabetics from getting behind the wheel of a truck (CM 24 September). Member states have until August 2010 to comply with the directive.
This potentially means that hundreds of drivers with Group 2 entitlements could now be re-employed as HGV drivers, At a recent meeting, the medical panel says it "advocated the principle of independent medical assessment for Group 2 drivers treated with insulin': The panel added that it "recommended developing a network of nominated consultant diabetologists who have expressed an interest to carry out such assessments to a required standard and agreed criteria."
It also says that HGV drivers should be subject to an annual review of their health.
Driver Roy Craigie, who has lobbied for the ban to he overturned, welcomes the recommendations, He says: "I hope that's the way they go with full licensing now. The DVLA pretty much goes with what they say; they make recommendations to the DVLA."
Latest figures show that there have been 14 fatal road traffic collisions resulting from hypoglycaemia while driving since 2005 and that the DVLA is receiving around 24 police notifications per month of driving incidents associated with hypoglycaemia.
Craigie says: "It's an obvious concern; it's important people like us can show evidence of good control."
He insists:"Ifs folk with cars; people who can get a licence renewed every three years and aren't looking after themselves and monitoring their sugar levels properly."
A DVLA spokesman says: "The Honorary Medical Advisory Panels provide clinical expertise on relevant matters that impact on safe driving. DVLA values the advice given by such panels and always considers carefully the impact of their advice. DVLA is committed to public consultation on the detail of potential changes to minimum medical standards set out in the second EC Directive on driving licences."