19 March 2009
A temporary medical centre is being set up again this Saturday in Blackwood town centre, to offer basic first aid to people out enjoying the rugby, who find themselves in need of attention.
The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership and partner agencies including Gwent Police, St Johns Ambulance Cymru and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, will operate a Triage service at Blackwood Market Place this Saturday 21st March, the final day of the Six Nations tournament.
The service was last offered on Saturday 14th February to coincide with the Wales vs. England rugby match, to offer treatment to individuals with minor injuries, who may have otherwise had to attend A&E.
Sergeant Rob Davies from Gwent Police, said: "The triage centre will be open in Blackwood between 4:00pm and 1:00am on Saturday 21st March, to correspond with the last Six Nations Game between Wales and Ireland.
"Obviously, we hope that the numbers of people who require treatment are limited, but in the event of injuries occurring, this service does help to alleviate unnecessary burden on Hospital Accident and Emergency Departments and Police Staff. Individuals who have used this service previously, have praised the efforts of all concerned and for the swift responses they have received."
Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Lyn Ackerman said, "I am full of praise for this excellent initiative. By operating a triage service from Blackwood town centre, and treating minor injuries and ailments there, this frees up valuable resources in various A&E departments across the borough. The feedback gained from the initiative so far has been extremely positive; long may it continue."
The benefits of the service include:
- People who have sustained injuries or who have had too much to drink can be treated swiftly (on 14th February, the majority of patients were treated within 20 minutes of arriving at the triage centre).
- The demand on A&E departments is reduced, as is that of the Ambulance Service.
- Police Officers, who would otherwise have to accompany patients to A&E departments, can remain in the town centre during busy periods where they are required.
- The provision of an excellent service to the public – feedback gained so far has been extremely positive.
- Police Officers are able to swiftly take victim and witness statements when incidents occur.
The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership is a multi agency organisation, whose five statutory bodies are Caerphilly County Borough Council, Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Caerphilly teaching Local Health Board and Gwent Police Authority. It works to reduce levels of crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime in the local area.
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