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Provision of War Pensions Clinics by HQ British Forces Germany Health Service (HQ BFGHS)

On behalf of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office act as Overseas Pension Agents for those British war pensioners living abroad. As a result of this arrangement, war pensioners approach their nearest Embassy or Consulate for assistance with any health issues atttributable to, or aggravated by, service in HM Forces and periodically clinics are run by the Foreign Commonwelath Office (FCO) to address these issues. Historically, due to the significant UK military presence in Germany, the FCO has relied on HQ BFG HS to facilitate such clinics in Bielefeld.

Whislt we remain cognisant of the inportance of the 'veterans agenda' the MoD are no longer in a position to facilitate clinics and the FCO has now been advised to seek alternative provision commensurate with their counterparts in other countries, where it is understood that the FCO deals directly with claimants GPs.

Contact details for FCO Dusseldorf :

FCO Dusseldorf
Yorckstrasse 19
HG 40476 Dusseldorf

Telephone: 0049 211 9448-0

Office Hours: (Mon-Fri 0830 - 1700)

OR

Contact details for FCO Hamburg:

FCO Hamburg
Joh.Berenburg, Glosser & Co HG
Neuer Jungfernsteig 20 / Fehland Str 3
20354 HAMBURG

Telephone: 0049-(0)40-448 032 36

Office Hours: By appointment only

To visit the FCO website for other information: http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en

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VIAP HOLDER? – REGISTER WITH US NOW

If you are a holder of the BFG Veterans’ Installation Access Pass and have not yet registered with the Veterans’ database, we invite you to do so as soon as possible.  The link for the registration form appears on the left of these veterans pages. The information you provide us with, by registering, helps us to communicate quickly and easily with all our Veterans and means you will receive any updates as soon as they are announce.

SHOPPING IN NAAFI OUTLETS

The German authorities have agreed that British Veterans will be able to shop in the Naafi for non-rationed items.  This HQ is in consultation with the Naafi regarding the process.  More information will follow when available.  In the mean time, you will still be able to buys items for immediate personal consumption on the premises in NAAFI facilities such as cafes, shops and Pay As You Dine restaurants. (Jan 2010)

A new package of measures was announced on 11 Jan 2010 to support Service personnel who have received serious injuries whilst on active service.
 
This will not change the situation too much for veterans in UK or Germany.  British veterans in UK have universal access to the NHS.  For British Veterans living in Germany, Healthcare is provided through the German Healthcare system via Krankenkässe, e.g. AOK (or another health insurance provider).  This is either in conjunction with the employer or managed individually.  The standard of treatment in Germany is similar to that provided in the UK. 

This new announcement is aimed at all veterans and in particular to treatment by the NHS.  Those Service Personnel who leave the forces due to injury attributable to Service, or who have an injury attributable to Service on discharge that is eligible for a War Pension, or veterans who are already War Pensioners should continue to receive priority care under the NHS.

Germany based War Pension Veterans concerned about aspects of their clinical care management should make contact with their respective British Consulate Hamburg or Dusseldorf at the addresses below:

Want to give your support?

There are several organisations and groups petitioning for improvements to Veterans’ benefits.  You may like to browse the following site for petitions which are championing the Veterans’ cause.

Opening times –
Mon-Thur:  08.30 - 16.00
Fri :  08.30 -13.00
Tel:  05241 84 2958
E-mail:  royal@alibs.detsa.co.uk

www.rbl-gt.de

Please note that this website is currently being built so come back regulary to check out the changes!

When Dragons Flew - 1st Bn The Border Regiment 1939 - 1945

Click the title for a flyer for the recently published 2nd edition of our book about 1st Battalion The Border Regiment who were glider borne in WW2 after their withdrawal through Dunkirk.  All proceeds from the sale of this book are going to the diminishing number of veterans from this Regt.

Reunions

Details of reunions will be placed here as and when we receive them.