Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS)
Selfkant/Geilenkirchen Detachment, Niederheid -
Medical Services
Quimperléstr. 100 Selfkant-Kaserne, 52511 Geilenkirchen, Germany
Family Members/Dependants Health Care Access
Allergy Shots/ Immunizations
Family
Physicians
Obstetrics/Genecology - Having a Baby
Overseas
Specialist Referrals
Optical Services
Family Members/Dependants –Health Care Access
Accessing health care in Europe is much the same for dependants as it is in Canada. A dependant is free to go to any health care provider or facility they choose. One major difference is that dependants are given access to the Cdn Medical Clinic where a CF Medical Officer can see them. As well as in Canada, dependants can decide to use a family doctor or Medical Clinic in the community. You will find a partial list of doctors in the yellow pages of the CF (Europe) Telephone Directory. Most doctors speak English and Clinic hours are convenient.
Allergy Shots/Immunizations
The Allergy / Immunization Clinic is open during normal clinic hours of operation. Please book an appointment through reception. Students attending AFNorth International may be booked during sick parade hours. CF mbrs must bring their Immunization Record book when reporting for immunizations. All CF members should ensure a photocopy of their immunization book is provided to the clinic on arrival to Europe. (this does not apply for members who go to CF Det SHAPE Cdn Medical Clinic for their svcs). CF dependents should arrive in Europe with a copy of their immunization records for the clinic. Any dependents who do not have a Travel Immunization booklet may have one completed at the immunization clinic. Immunizations will be given to dependents in accordance with the Ontario Immunization Schedule. Vaccines that are recommended for travel are also available. Dependents will be billed for immunizations through pharmacy. Anyone receiving an immunization will be expected to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes post vaccination for monitoring. Any questions in regards to travel should be directed to the immunization clinic. There are many excellent sites on-line for information such as www.cdc.gov 
or www.phac-aspc.g.c.ca or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk .
Family Physicians
The family physician for CF members within Europe is as follow:
Cdn MO Det SHAPE Det Casteau - Personnel located in Brussels and SHAPE; and
Cdn MO Det Geilenkirchen - All other personnel within Europe.
CF members shall ensure their family physician is consulted/informed immediately on any non-routine medical visits/procedures thereby ensuring medical limitations and medical categories are being properly managed. In addition, the CF MO will also ensure that the procedures being recommended meet the CF health care standards and are covered under the CF Spectrum of Care. Failure to inform your CF MO of any recommended medical procedures could result in the CF member being held responsible for the costs associated with this med care.
Obstetrics/Genecology
There are limited OB/Gyn services available through the Clinic. OB patients are referred to a civilian hospital starting the 28th week of pregnancy and most patients give birth in local German or Dutch Hospital.
Having a Baby Overseas
Prenatal care is referred out to civilian practitioners either in the Netherlands or Germany. Both countries have a high standard of prenatal care that is equal to Canada. Most of the women deliver at De Wever Ziekenhaus in Heerlen. Expectant fathers are encouraged to be present at the delivery. If the baby is born in a Dutch hospital the newborn screening blood test will be done at the clinic after the baby is discharged. Expectant families can make an appointment at the clinic if they have any questions regarding their care and the services available.
Specialist Referrals
The Cdn Medical Clinic and the NATO Clinic all refer to specialists for complicated medical matters. Most of the specialists used by the Clinics work at DeWever Ziekenhuis in Heerlen, St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus in Geilenkirchen, or at the University Hospital in Aachen. Heerlen and Aachen Hospitals are teaching Hospitals with similar standards to those in Canada. Most of the staff at those Hospitals speak English. Occasionally, referrals are made to the US Military Specialists located at the larger US facilities in Bittburg or Landsthul in Germany. Maps and directions are available at the Cdn Medical Clinic. CF members seen by a Specialist should ensure the Cdn Medical Clinic has also approved the recommended course of action and thus ensures it is within the CF Spectrum of Care and is reimbursable.
(i.e. Specialist recommends “Massage Therapy” sessions – this therapy is not covered by CF Spec of Care and special permission for reimbursement would have to be obtained prior to commencement).
Optical Services
All CF members within the Tri-Community area will obtain their optical supplies from a local Optician provider under contract with DND. Those outside the area will be advised on individual basis but should attempt to use this provider (if required) during their annual admin visits to GK.
Info on policies concerning optical supplies can be found at the MSI Web page under the heading Optical/Glasses(on DIN only).
Personnel coming from Canada should have had an eye examination and frames/lenses issued prior to posting (if necessary). Most personnel are entitled to three complete pairs of eyeglasses prior to their posting overseas. Future prescription changes entitle you to replacement of lenses only. Replacement of frame entitlement will only be approved in exceptional circumstances. Frames should be sufficient to last for duration of posting.
Cdn Medical Clinic is the approving authority for eye examination or eyewear replacement. Requests shall be submitted through the Cdn Medical Clinic HS Admin O.
Dependants may obtain optical services from any optical company/supplier. Reimbursement of expenses for optical supplies and services for dependants falls under the PSHCP. The Cdn Medical Clinic offers information on local businesses providing optical services in English. In general, the cost for frames and especially lenses is considerably more expensive in Europe. Therefore, dependants considering purchasing optical supplies may want to do so when returning to Canada on a holiday.
Currently we have an agreement with Laumen Optik in GK to service our CF members and they are open to seeing family members as well. They are located at Herzog Wilhelmstr 1, and can be reached at +49 (0)2451-2215. They can provide English services and are open from Mon-Fri 0900-1830 hrs and Sat 0900-1400 hrs.
