The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
First aid training course could lose NHS funding
Heartstart Discovery set to undergo review as coordinator plans to retire
A flagship Tayside first aid training scheme for members of the public could lose its NHS funding.
The training, delivered by Heartstart Discovery, is run by volunteers with just one salaried part-time role, funded by NHS Tayside’s Directorate of Public Health.
However, the post holder is due to retire in December 2018, meaning the service could have to find alternative funding after the NHS announced plans for a review of its delivery.
The news comes after people on the streets of London were praised for rushing to give emergency first aid to terror victims last week.
MP Tobias Ellwood’s attempts to save stabbed policeman Keith Palmer outside Westminster were among the defining images of the attack.
Volunteers in Dundee have spoken out about the need to keep the first aid service free for the public.
Heartstart coordinator Helen Brady said: “We will probably end up being a stand-alone charity, although it is too early to know exactly what will happen.
“It is very important to be able to keep doing our work and to be able to offer it free of charge.
“A lot of the sessions we do, apart from the public ones, are for disability and mental health groups, who can’t afford to pay for courses like this.”
An NHS Tayside spokesman confirmed the plans for a review and said: “For the past 20 years, NHS Tayside’s Directorate of Public Health has funded a part-time coordinator post for Heartstart Discovery.
“Heartstart Discovery’s training is delivered by volunteers with this part-time post being the only salaried member of the team.
“The post holder has given notice of their intention to retire from this role in December 2018 and is currently working with Heartstart Discovery until that date to review the operational delivery of the service.”
Heartstart is now keen to spread the word about its courses in a bid to encourage people to keep signing up and increase the chance of attracting alternative funding.
We will probably end up being a stand-alone charity, although it is too early to know exactly what will happen. HELEN BRADY
Since it began operating on Tayside, the Heartstart Discovery training scheme has taught thousands of people first aid skills, some of which may have saved lives when put into practical action.
The courses deliver lessons in vital first response actions which can prove the difference between life and death during the wait for professional help.
Crucially, they are given free-of-charge, and to whoever feels they can benefit.
As such, the scheme relies on volunteers, supported by a single salaried part-time worker who will retire next year.
It is absolutely correct that NHS Tayside, which funds the post, is taking this opportunity to review the role and weigh whether it is a good use of public funds.
It may be a relatively small amount to pay from the board’s multi-million-pound budget, but every penny counts at this time.
However, there is only one conclusion the review can reasonably reach.
That is to retain the funding already given and guarantee it in future years.
As witnessed during the recent terrorist atrocity on the streets of London, a basic knowledge of first aid is essential among members of the public who can then spring into action at a moment’s notice.
To put in jeopardy a scheme like Heartstart Discovery for the sake of a five-figure saving would be folly.