Ballachulish defibs installed
COMMUNITY members keeping their ‘finger on the pulse’ of medical issues in Ballachulish have seen their hard work pay off.
Two defibrillators have been installed in medical centres in Lochaber thanks to efforts made by the Ballachulish and Glencoe Patient Participation Group (PPG).
The PPG was formed as part of the Productive General Practice project, which works with the medical practice to offer the patient perspective on the services which are provided.
The group meets monthly and encourages feedback from patients with the aim of making the medical centre more efficient.
Bill Strachan, chairperson of the Ballachulish and Glencoe PPG said part of the group’s aim is to raise awareness that if someone has a heart attack, the quicker the casualty gets CPR and defibrillation, the better their chances of survival. He added: ‘The PPG of Ballachulish medical practice organised the installation of two defibrillators for the local community. One is installed externally on the wall of the medical centre in the village and externally at the ambulance station in Glencoe.
‘Fundraising began last autumn throughout the community. The units cost roughly £1,600 each so we had collection cans and a raffle, and the PPG acknowledge grants from Glencoe and Ballachulish Community Councils, the Clachaig Inn and Highland Council.
‘David Doogan of the Scottish Ambulance Service has already delivered some training in CPR and using the defib.
‘Keep an eye on the Co-op and medical practice notice boards to find out the next training dates. It takes less than an hour, is free and does not involve a test.’