Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes has called in Parliament for a national rollout of defibrillators, warning that lives are at risk from a postcode lottery in access.
Research shows that more than 40 percent of postcodes in Bournemouth East do not have direct access to a defibrillator within the time frame considered crucial to save a life.
During the debate, Mr Hayes highlighted the work of local organisations. He said: “Will my honourable friend join me in congratulating the work of Bournemouth Heart Club, which promotes good heart health, and also Regency Living, Hengistbury Residents’ Association—and St Nicholas Church, which funded a defibrillator at St Nicholas Church that, just seven weeks after installation, saved a life at Hengistbury Head?”
Mr Hayes recently visited St Nicholas’ Church to speak at a Hengistbury Residents’ Association formal meeting and their VE Day community event.
Bournemouth Heart Club is one of only two purpose-built heart clubs in the UK and runs 45 weekly classes to support cardiac and diabetes recovery. Around 85 percent of participants with diabetes report improved health through these sessions.
Mr Hayes said a national programme to install more defibrillators would make sure people are not disadvantaged simply because of where they live. He urged the Government to prioritise high-risk areas and pledged to keep campaigning until every postcode in Bournemouth East has access.
