British Forces Germany Health Service (BFGHS) is the provider of Health Care to British Forces Germany (BFG). It comprises the Army Medical Services (AMS), The Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) and the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Hospital Trust.

BFGHS provides a cover of medical care broadly equivalent to that provided in the UK by the NHS. For more information on the level of care provided please refer to Standing Orders (SOs BA(G) 3303).

Refer to the RESG Web - Rheindahlen Support Unit / Medical page for detailed information.

Click to access the BFGHS Webpage and the JHQ Medical Centre – Practice Guide

ISODET Medical Information Pack

The BFGHS Financial Department have compiled an information pack which includes the forms you will need to submit on arrival in BFG. When you register you will receive the ' Entitlement to Medical Treatment in Germany' letter which you need to take with you to medical appointments.

ISODET Medical Information Pack

Medical Records

The medical records of service personnel and their dependants are held by the Rheindahlen Support Unit (RSU) Medical Centre. As it is not possible for such records to be given to a German doctor, patients who wish their local civilian doctor to have access to past medical records should obtain photocopies of the relevant notes from the RMC.

Primary Health Care (PHC)

Service personnel and their dependants are to register with the Medical Centre at UKDJSU Brunssum

Due to the ISODet status at the Goch community all personnel should register with Dr Karl-Heinz Krause in Goch. Dr Krause’s practice is known to the SMO Rheindahlen, with whom he has developed a close working relationship, and he fully understands the BFG Health Care arrangements. Importantly, he and his staff speak perfect English.

Aircrew Medicals

Aircrew medicals are conducted at the British Medical Centre, Brunssum.

Secondary and Tertiary Health Care (SHC)/(THC)

SHC and THC for both Service personnel and their dependants is provided by Designated German Provider (DGP) Hospitals in the towns of Dülken and Viersen. As a rule, medical in-patient treatment is provided at Viersen and surgical treatment at Dülken. If you should be admitted to these hospitals, English speaking Liaison Officers are available to translate for you, pass messages and assist with any problems you may have. Ask the ward staff to contact them for you if needed.

Click for directions to Viersen/Dülken hospitals.

NOTE:                       It is essential that all lSODETs read SOs BA(G) 3303 to be clear on all procedures for authorising Secondary Health Care (SHC), Tertiary Health Care (THC) and Medical Supplies / Equipment.

Emergency Care

In the event of an accident or life-threatening illness, Emergency Health Care will be provided by any suitable German hospital. In an emergency, phone 112 to call an ambulance or, if practicable, go to the hospital (Krankenhaus) in Goch at:

This hospital is not a member of the DGP group of hospitals but it is the one that is likely to be used in emergencies. Additionally, it can be used by prior agreement with the SMO for ongoing SHC.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions should be taken to a local pharmacy (Apotheke). Outside normal business hours a duty pharmacy will be available to fill urgent prescriptions but a surcharge may be made for such a service. Although a duty pharmacy roster is published in local newspapers, most pharmacies have a display in the window or near the door that indicates which pharmacy is on duty.

Click for a list of Pharmacies in Goch.

Non-Prescription Medicines

Non-prescription medicines for minor ailments can be bought from any pharmacy. However, as not all preparations are available in Germany you may need to replenish any supplies you brought with you during visits to the UK. You may also wish to use US shopping facilities.

Dental

The facility of Dental treatment in BFG is supplied by the Defence Dental Services (DDS). This is a tri-Service organisation which ensures that all the Garrisons in BFG have dental cover. All military personnel, their families and entitled civilians may be treated by DDS.

If you require emergency treatment you may use a local dentist and reclaim the costs.The following dentists are recommended:

NOTE:              Dependants should note that, unless they are exempt, they will have to pay NHS equivalent charges for dental treatment. Once a course of treatment has been completed a bill will be raised for payment. This applies to treatment received from BFG Health Service Dental Centres and local dentists.

Click for a glossary of Minor Medical Terms