Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Director of Public Health.

The purpose of the report is to provide a summary of the current position for the provision of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the report.

Officer contact: Sarah Clarke | sarah.clarke@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated), providing a summary of the current position for the provision of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care (Councillor Keith Holloway) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

Tracey Blackmore (the founder of Defibulous) was also in attendance.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members noted the excellent work of the charity on the installation of defibrillators across the borough.

·       Clarification was sought regarding the lifespan of the pads and batteries used and how the expiry dates would affect the machines installed. It was highlighted that the charity couldn’t takeover the units installed as they were sometimes owned by private individuals and organisations. It was highlighted that it was important to have ‘guardians’ for the machines to ensure they were maintained correctly.

·       It was noted that the Council would be promoting ‘Healthy Heart Month’ and would share the promotional material with the Committee following the meeting.

·       Ward Members had an important role in encouraging the installation of more defibrillator units across the borough.

·       It was commented that there was a need for the units to be accessible 24/7 and for the units not to be in locations that were inaccessible such as locked buildings.

·       Members enquired about what was needed for the Council to support with the maintenance of the facilities. In response, it was noted that the promotion of defibrillators in workplaces and businesses could play a key role in making the machines more readily available.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.