The BAS Medical Unit (BASMU) is based at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Its expert staff review staff medical status before staff deployment.
All staff deploying beyond a gateway must have medical clearance by BASMU.
A medical screening carried out by a doctor must be completed prior to your first deployment, and thereafter according to age, unless requested by BASMU.
- 5 yearly review medical until age 35
- 3 yearly review medical thereafter to age 50
- Annual review after age 50
A self-assessment and dental must be completed on an annual basis prior to deployment. Only those who request, or whose self-assessment suggests clinical need, will have a formal medical examination outside the review time scales shown above. BASMU review all self-assessments and medical screening information and a final decision on an employee’s fitness will rest with the BASMU Medical Director, Dr Matt Warner.
Overall assessment and confirmation of Cambridge staff fitness for polar duty will include BASMU’s consideration of an individual’s general dental fitness. Staff should ensure that a BASMU7 dental form is completed annually.
Although personnel will check that all staff on Antarctic duty are medically screened before travelling South, please note that it is also the responsibility of the individual to ensure they complete all the required procedures.
You must have medical clearance 6 weeks prior to your travel date.
Following an annual review, as of the 2023-24 season we are adding ‘Anaphylaxis to food’ to the list of ‘Health conditions of concern’ in the document ‘Medical Aspects of Deployment to the Polar Regions’ (also known as BASMU 2). This document explains which conditions may prevent medical clearance for deployment.
Update to BASMU Patient Record System – 24/25 Antarctic Season
As from the 24/25 Antarctic Season, BASMU will migrate to a new Private Practice System (PPS). The new system is encrypted to NHS Standards and works within low bandwidth environments. BASMU will have immediate access to self-assessments, dentals and medical screening information, allowing quicker support to staff and doctors.
For further information please refer to the guidance document
Medical Guidelines/Requirements
British Antarctic Survey MedicalUnit process READ THIS FIRST: BASMU PPS instructions
Medical requirements for BAS Antarctic / Arctic employment or deployment pdf | rtf
Medical insurance guidelines for Non BAS Staff pdf | rtf
Forms and Policy Documents
BASMU 1 – Antarctic Service Medical Registration Form pdf|rtf
BASMU 1 External Visitors – Antarctic Service Medical Registration Form pdf|rtf
BASMU 2 – Medical Aspects of Living and Working in Antarctica pdf|rtf
BASMU 3 – Medical Questionnaire (Including Consent Form) pdf| rtf
BASMU 4 – Medical Examination Form (completion by examining doctor) pdf|rtf
BASMU 5 – Notes for Examining Doctor pdf|rtf
BASMU 7 – Antarctic/Arctic Summer season dental form pdf|rtf
BASMU 8 – BAS Wintering Staff Dental Assessment pdf|rtf
Flu Vaccination Certification –pdf|rtf
BAS Medical Requirement Check List pdf|rtf
BAS Immunisation Policy pdf|rtf
Alongside BASMU forms you MUST send BASMU a copy of your NHS Covid pass or equivalent