CURRENT and former Air Force members and civilian contractors who were involved in fuel tank maintenance programs on F-111 aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley might be eligible for help from the F-111 Deseal Reseal Health Care Scheme.

The scheme was established in September 2001 to provide treatment and support to people suffering health problems because of chemical exposure associated with the F-111 Deseal/Reseal, Spray Seal and Wing Seal programs at Amberley from 1977 until the late 1990s.

The F-111 Deseal Reseal Health Care Scheme provides interim health care and counselling to Air Force personnel and contracted civilians.

It also offers counselling to families of affected personnel and other people who worked on the base.

Health care covered under the initiative includes GP services, specialist medical consultation and treatment, and appropriate pharmaceutical products.

Medical conditions reasonably attributable to chemical exposure associated with the fuel tank programs that might be accepted for treatment include skin rashes, neurological conditions, personality change, chronic infections, tumours, blood disorders, liver disease, chronic respiratory conditions, fatigue and heart disease.

The F-111 Deseal/Reseal Health Care Team will refer eligible personnel to appropriate compensation schemes through the Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, or WorkCover Queensland.

Those who wish to apply for health care or counselling must register with the health care scheme on 1800 728 007. Information provided to the team is confidential and registration will not affect other entitlements for health care or compensation.