Inspired by the near-death experience of a friend’s daughter, a kind-hearted group of Sale patients has been fund-raising to purchase a life-saving defibrillator for the outside of their GP practice building which will benefit the community.
Each year more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK, but fewer than one in 10 survive. However if defibrillation occurs within a minute of the victim collapsing, the survival rate increases to 90%.
By siting a vital defibrillation device outside Boundary House Medical Centre, Northenden Road, it can be easily accessed 24/7 by those in need in Sale and Northern Moor and potentially save community lives.
Boundary House’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) has raised more than £4,000 to purchase and maintain defibrillation devices after being inspired by how the GP practice’s receptionist, Bernadette Armstrong, 26-year-old daughter’s life was saved by quick access to a defibrillator.
Bernadette said:
Anyone can be at risk from a sudden cardiac arrest which could have devastating consequences. Emma was lucky. A fit, healthy girl, she suddenly collapsed in her friend’s car as they returned from work. Without access to a defibrillator she could have died. I believe it’s vital that more defibrillators are accessible to prevent potential tragedies.”
Joanne Jones, Chair of the seven-strong Boundary House PPG, added:
We are keen to make a difference and felt life-saving defibrillators would benefit the whole Northern and Sale Moor community.
Through fund-raising, generous patient donations and local business support our group’s ‘Community Defibrillator Fund’ has increased. Our next project is to provide a lockable cabinet for The Legh Arms pub allowing their defibrillator to be installed on the exterior wall of the pub and providing Sale Moor villagers with the peace of mind that a lifesaving device close and accessible if needed.”
Dr Paul Jackson, GP at Boundary House Medical Centre, said:
This is a fantastic achievement by a dedicated group of patients who are committed to supporting not only the practice, but the community.”
The Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Robert Chilton, agreed:
Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic fundraising effort. You really have made a massive difference. Defibrillators save lives and it is important that they are accessible to as many of the borough’s residents as possible.”
And Cllr Elizabeth Patel of Sale Moor added her congratulations saying the patient group
demonstrates the meaningful and positive power of working together to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The defibrillator was officially ‘opened’ by patient, Renee Watt, who was described by Joanne Jones as ‘instrumental’ in securing the defibrillator.
In the event of a cardiac arrest and someone calling 999 they may be guided to the nearest defibrillator before an ambulance arrives. The emergency services will advise the caller on accessing the device and the automated system will instruct the user on how to operate the defibrillator to provide life-saving treatment.
Posted on Thursday 4th July 2019