THE NHS has launched a forum to help the region’s Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families get better access to health services.

The move by the North-East Strategic Health Authority follows the Government’s pledge earlier this year to do more to meet the needs of the UK’s service men and women.

The forum will bring together military and health managers, clinicians and social service staff, as well as military and family welfare groups.

The aim will be to provide regional leadership and to help increase and improve access to health services for war veterans.

It has been estimated that one in six of the North-East’s population, about 400,000 people, is a veteran or a dependent of a veteran.

There are more than 200,000 veterans in the region, including many who suffer from mental health problems triggered by their war service.

Too often they delay seeking help for many years after returning home following service.

Richard Barker, from the NHS, said: “Improving health services for our servicemen and women is a priority for NHS North-East and we will work through this forum to ensure we live up to this commitment.

By bringing military, health, social care and voluntary services voices around the table, we can make better decisions and improve outcomes for those who have served their country.

“These people have put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and they deserve the very best care and support from us in return.”

In June, councillors from all 12 North- East councils gathered for a one-day conference in Durham City to discuss whether the demands of veterans in the region were being met.

It was believed to be the first such council conference in England.

After the event, Andrew Drake, regional manager of the Royal British Legion, called for a veteran’s helpline to be set up to ensure that struggling former servicemen and women get the help they need.