Huw has welcomed the announcement that the government is inviting community organisations to bid for funding for a defibrillator for their area.
The Department of Health and Social Care is inviting interested organisations to register expressions of interest for its £1 million Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Fund, aimed at increasing the number of AEDs in public places where they are most needed and help save lives.
The funding is part of the Government’s drive to equip the health system with the right technology to ease pressures, reduce backlogs and cut waiting lists, and to improve public access to care when they need it.
As part of the grant award, applicants will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed, such as places with high footfall, vulnerable people, rural areas, or due to the nature of activity at the site.
Examples could include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, to ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.
An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are to be provided by the fund, with the potential for this to double as successful applicants will be asked to match the funding they receive partially or fully.
Organisations who submit an expression of interest will be notified once grant applications open to the Department of Health and Social Care’s £1m Community AED Fund.
Organisations can submit an expression of interest here.
Huw said:
“I know from my visits across the constituency, that many villages and community halls have installed defibrillators. However, there are plenty more community and sports places where this this vital life-saving equipment can be installed so that they are accessible to all.
“I urge any organisation that may benefit from a defibrillator – whether you’re a sports club, local theatre or community hall – to register your interest for this fund so that we can get more of this life-saving technology placed around England.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England said:
“When someone goes into cardiac arrest it’s crucial that they are given effective CPR and quick defibrillation to restart their heart.
This new fund is a great opportunity for grassroots organisations to ensure that their community has access to lifesaving equipment in their moment of need.
As the NHS turns 75, we will continue to adopt new technology and promote access to innovations, such as Automated External Defibrillator, which can improve care and treatment for patients and help save lives.”
For further information about the fund visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bids-invited-for-1-million-defibrillator-fund
