NHS donates life-saving equipment to Gateshead community

The NHS in Gateshead has donated life-saving medical equipment to some of the borough’s busiest locations, providing a potential lifeline for anyone who has a cardiac arrest.

The resuscitation team from Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has gifted eight defibrillators to Gateshead Council, which will be placed in community buildings across the borough, including: Chowdene Children’s Centre, Elgin Children’s Centre, Tyne View Children’s Centre, Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Leam Lane Multi-Purpose Centre, Wrekenton Hub, Saltwell Towers in Saltwell Park, and St Mary’s Heritage Centre.

Susan Lewis, senior resuscitation officer at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that a cardiac arrest can happen anytime to anyone and anywhere. That’s why having defibrillators as widely accessible as possible is so important. To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible.

“You don’t need to be trained to use a defibrillator – anyone can use it. They are simple and easy to use and you don’t need any training. Effective CPR and early defibrillation with a defibrillator doubles your chances of going home alive from hospital after having a cardiac arrest.”

“However, recent research has shown inequality in the provision of defibrillators across England with the most deprived areas having significantly fewer defibrillators than those more affluent areas.

“As the NHS, we’re here to serve the people of Gateshead so we’re beyond proud to be able to further support local residents in the community and provide potentially life-saving equipment to whoever may need it.”

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