Might be needed to save a life’
year, the service saw calls to 999 and 111 in the North East increase to 40,600, compared with 29,950 the previous year.
During that time service attended 6,795 incidents across the North East, which was 94 more than 2016 and treated or discharged almost 1,600 patients over the telephone or at home.
In preparation for the festive period, NHS England has provided additional funding to NEAS to provide additional hours for the Safe Haven van, which operates in Newcastle city centre from 11pm to 5am on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year.
Jointly funded by NEAS and the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, the service provides a secure environment for the passing on of safety information, and gives medical assistance to anyone might need it.
It consists of a reception centre, manned by St John Ambulance staff and volunteers including Newcastle’s street pastors, as well as a police car and dedicated ambulance, available to support the transfer of patients from the surrounding area to the treatment centre, and to hospital if required.
The service aims to protect vulnerable members of the public by providing them a place of safety, while reducing the impact on front-line policing and ambulances and relieving pressure on local hospitals.
The additional funding from NHS England means the service can operate for more days over the festive period and throughout January.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC said the Safe Haven Van was a fantastic facility that offers a safe space for people who might need help.
She added: “Maybe you’ve lost your friends and purse or you’ve fallen and cut yourself – it’s a safe place to go. Along with partners, our officers are on hand to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time over the Christmas period and throughout the year.”
Benjamin Savage, operations manager (North) at St John Ambulance, said accident and emergency care should be reserved for people who really need it. He added: “We’re pleased that we can increase our opening hours at this time to help reduce the demand on the NHS and hope that the care and assistance given by our team of staff and volunteers will help people to go home safe and healthy after nights out.”
Anyone requiring urgent medical assistance which is not an emergency can call 111.