HEALTH chiefs have signed a new agreement to show their support for the Armed Forces.

The decision by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to sign the Armed Forces Covenant signals an ongoing commitment to health staff who also serve as reservists.

There are currently more than 40 employees across NHSGGC, which covers Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, who can be called on at any time to support regular troops in conflict zones or as part of humanitarian efforts across the world.

The strong relationship between the local health board and the Armed Forces has also come to the fore during the Covid pandemic, with troops providing logistical support to set up testing and vaccination programmes.

By signing the covenant, NHSGGC has also pledged its commitment to support veterans and acknowledge that serving personnel and military families should be treated with respect.

Anne MacPherson, NHSGGC’s director of human resources and organisational development, said: “We greatly value the contribution of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces, not only in serving our country but also because of their commitment to the NHS.

“We have benefited from the leadership and technical skills gained in the forces and how this adds value in our clinical and non-clinical teams.

“We are also proud to have more than 40 members of our team who are reservists and are working hard to ensure they get the right support to enable them to serve our country when called.”

A spokesman for the British Army said the support offered by NHSGGC is “greatly appreciated.”

He added: “For the Armed Forces community, the covenant is about removing disadvantage so they get the same access to services as the civilian community.”