"We need to realise that if we're sending soldiers to places like Afghanistan and the Sinai, we need to realise that we're putting New Zealanders in harm's way - and when they come home, that should not be the end of it," Mr Shamy says.
"We know there are problems for returning personnel and we don't believe that main stream psychological health services truly understands modern PTSD.
"The Government is not doing enough to look after our war veterans. The NZDF is slowly recognising there is an issue but there really needs to be a multi-agency approach, which not just involves health services, to look after ex-service personnel and their families."
The inaugural healthcare forum is being held behind closed doors at Rannerdale next Tuesday, May 29, and will hear from several keynote speakers including Baden Ewart, a Vietnam veteran who is now the Colonel of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. He will be joined by Veterans Affairs representatives, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Hugh McAslan of the NZDF who will talk about what currently happens to returning service personnel, and how it can be done better.
One of the major issues, Mr Shamy says, is the lack of screening and information being collated on young men with possible PTSD issues by GPs and primary healthcare providers.
An experienced British GP will speak at the forum to highlight this issue, which Mr Shamy says is seen every day at Rannerdale.
"We have guys here who have profound anxiety which can be directly related to their service. Not only does it affect them, but it also affects generations of their families," he said.
"War will have an impact on people, and their families, and how they come to raise their children.
"The reality is that if you send people into harm's way, and don't provided support for them, it will have an impact on society.
"We hope the forum will start the debate, which is long overdue."
