What happens if I cannot provide a complete medical history?
Not having a complete medical history does not automatically prevent you from applying to foster. Tell the fostering agency what information is missing; with your consent, your GP or other relevant professionals may help clarify your history, and you should provide all details you do know accurately.
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An incomplete medical history is usually treated as an evidence gap for the fostering medical assessment, rather than as a decision about your suitability on its own. The medical adviser will consider the information that can be obtained, how reliable and current it is, and whether further evidence is needed to understand your health.
Why a medical history may be incomplete
Gaps can arise for several practical reasons, including moving between GP surgeries, changing address, living in another country, records being held by more than one NHS service, or older childhood information no longer being readily available. Some records may also be held by hospitals, mental health services, occupational health providers or private clinicians rather than your current GP.
Explain the reason for any gap clearly during the application. Useful details may include previous GP surgeries, hospitals or clinics, approximate dates of treatment, former addresses, countries where you received care and the names of relevant professionals. This gives the agency and medical adviser a clearer basis for deciding whether additional information is needed.
Other information that may help
- Discharge summaries, clinic letters and consultant reports
- Medication records or repeat-prescription information
- Immunisation records and occupational health documents
- Reports from specialists who have treated an ongoing condition
- Evidence explaining previous surgery, injury, hospital admission or treatment
These documents do not replace the required medical assessment, but they may help provide context where a GP record is incomplete. Only relevant information should be obtained and shared through the process, with the appropriate consent.
What may happen next
The fostering agency may ask you to complete further consent forms, contact a previous practice or healthcare provider, or clarify particular dates and diagnoses. The medical adviser may also decide that an additional report or assessment is necessary. This is more likely where the missing information relates to a condition, treatment or period of ill health that could affect your ability to care for a child.
A request for more information does not automatically mean that your application will be refused. It means the medical adviser needs enough detail to give a responsible opinion. The assessment focuses on relevant factors such as your current health, any recurring or progressive conditions, treatment needs, stamina, mental wellbeing and the practical demands of fostering. The adviser will also consider how your health may affect a child’s care and your ability to provide consistent support.
If records cannot be obtained
Sometimes records genuinely cannot be recovered. In that situation, explain what was attempted and why the information is unavailable. The agency and medical adviser can then decide whether the available evidence is sufficient or whether another form of assessment is appropriate. Avoid guessing dates, diagnoses or treatment details. If you are uncertain, say so and distinguish what you know from what you believe.
It is important to disclose relevant health information even if it is not fully documented. Failing to mention a condition or previous treatment can create difficulties if it is identified later and may prevent the medical adviser from assessing your circumstances accurately. Medical information is handled as part of the fostering assessment and shared with those who need it for that purpose, in line with the consent and privacy arrangements explained to you.
Practical steps before the assessment
- Make a list of your past GP surgeries, hospitals, specialists and significant treatments.
- Note approximate dates where exact dates are unavailable.
- Request copies of relevant letters or reports from healthcare providers where appropriate.
- Gather information about current medication, previous operations and ongoing treatment.
- Tell your fostering agency early about any records that may be difficult to obtain.
- Keep copies of documents you submit and make a note of any information that remains uncertain.
The final decision about whether the available evidence is adequate rests with the fostering agency and its medical adviser. If you are unsure what to provide, ask the agency for guidance before requesting records, so that you focus on information relevant to the fostering medical assessment.
If you cannot reconstruct every part of your medical history, do not delay your fostering application while trying to obtain information that may no longer exist. Tell the fostering agency about the gap at the outset and ask which details are important for the assessment. This helps avoid unnecessary requests and allows the medical adviser to focus on information relevant to your ability to foster.
Where records are held overseas or written in another language, explain this clearly and provide any details you have about the healthcare provider and treatment. The agency can then tell you whether further documentation or a suitable translation is needed. The key requirement is an honest, consistent account of your health, including any uncertainty about dates or diagnoses.
Ask About Your Incomplete Medical History
If you are unsure which parts of your medical history need confirming, speak to our local fostering team before gathering documents. They can explain the next steps and help you understand what information may be relevant to your assessment.