NFFO members are reminded that the Dreadnought Unit of St Thomas’ Hospital in London is open to seamen and fishermen in need of treatment
A number of NFFO members have received First Class treatment, including heart bypass operations, in this facility. The hospital is situated directly opposite the Houses of Parliament in London.
In cases where fishermen face a queue or delay in receiving treatment through the NHS, this alternative is available.
Seamen’s Hospital Society
Registered Charity No: 231724
The Seamen’s Hospital Society assists seafarers and their dependants in need by making grants to qualifying individuals, as well as to selected organisations. Applications for individual assistance may be made at any time. For further information, please view the Society’s website: www.seahospital.org.uk or contact it’s Greenwich office directly: Tel 020 8858 3696, Email: admin@seahospital.org.uk or by post: 29 King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HX.
The Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line is managed and operated on behalf of the Seamen’s Hospital Society by Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux. It provides advice and help to seafarers (both active and retired) and their dependants on a range of issues including welfare benefits, employment, housing, debt, consumer problems, legal problems, personal relationships, and tax. The service is free, independent, impartial and confidential. For further information visit: www.sailine.org.uk.
The Line may be contacted Mon – Fri 10.00 am – 4.00 pm on tel: 08457 413 318.
All messages left outside these hours are returned as soon as possible.
Alternatively, write to Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line, PO Box 45234, Greenwich, London SE10 9WR or Email: admin@sailine.org.uk.
Dreadnought Medical Service
The Dreadnought Medical Service – often called simply “the Dreadnought” – is a facility offering priority medical treatment to eligible seafarers through the medical services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. Its principal aim is to enable serving seafarers to return to work as soon as possible by providing treatment in a shorter timescale than may normally be offered at a seafarer’s local NHS hospital (although this cannot always be guaranteed).
Who is eligible for treatment at the Dreadnought?
The following are eligible for elective priority treatment at the Dreadnought:
- active seafarers, pilots, tugboat men, etc
- trainee candidates for the merchant navy
- fishing vessel personnel
- shipping company shore staff essential to the function of the fleet
- dependants, where the illness of the spouse or child causes the seafarer grave concern
The following (but not their dependants) are also eligible to be considered for elective treatment:
- union officials
- retired seafarers
How do I get treatment at the Dreadnought?
You will need a completed referral form and a referral letter from your GP or other approved/company doctor, both of which should be sent to the Dreadnought Administrator (see ‘Contacts’ below). Standard referral forms are available from the Dreadnought Administrator.Can I have dental treatment at the Dreadnought?
Active seafarers may have dental treatment via the Dreadnought. Further information may be obtained from the Dreadnought Dentist (tel: 020 7188 2047) between 10.30 am-12.00 noon on Tues, Weds and Thurs.I’m a retired seafarer – can I still use the Dreadnought?
Seafarers who have retired after spending their working lives at sea, and who have not taken up subsequent employment, are eligible to be considered for treatment at the Dreadnought, although not normally on a priority basis. The dependants of retired seafarers are not entitled to use the Dreadnought.I live some distance away and can’t afford the fare:
If you are on a low income, patient transport services (tel: 020 7188 2888) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ can advise whether you are eligible for help from the Department of Work and Pensions with the cost of fares to and from your home. If you are not eligible for help from this source, but can prove financial need, the Seamen’s Hospital Society (tel: 020 8858 3696) may be able to help with the payment of fares.I can’t manage to travel by public transport – what should I do?
In some instances you may be eligible for ambulance or other special transport, even outside London. Patient transport services (tel: 020 7188 2888) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ can advise you on this.I need overnight accommodation before or after my appointment:
Accommodation can be booked at the hospital or, near St Thomas’, at the Marine Society. Please contact the Dreadnought Administrator for further information and advice.Contact: Dreadnought Administrator
Dreadnought Medical Service
St Thomas’ Hospital
Lambeth Palace Road
London SE1 7EHTel: 020 7188 2049
Fax: 020 7188 2051
Email: dreadnought2@gstt.nhs.uk