AN emergency SOS bus has been launched to treat drunk and injured revellers in Oxford’s City Centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

The pilot scheme, run by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), will provide help for those too drunk over the Christmas period and treat those with minor injuries.

SCAS operations director Steve West said: “This pilot will ensure that patients in Oxford with minor injuries receive prompt, appropriate care in the more appropriate way.”

“The bus will also be a safe haven for those who have been found in the street too intoxicated to stand or speak and who cannot find their way home.”

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The bus, which doubles up as a purpose built treatment centre, had its first outing on Friday.

The vehicle patrolled Cornmarket street manned by a paramedic and St John Ambulance volunteers.

It contains two treatment beds and three portable beds and will run at weekends from 10.30pm to 5.30am. The pilot scheme is expected to operated until March next year and was commissioned by Oxfordshire Clinical Commission Group (OCCG).

It is hoped the bus will relieve pressure on health services by reducing the need for people to attend A&E and allowing those requiring urgent care to be seen more quickly.

Oxford Mail:

  • District manager for St John Ambulance Craig Heigold

OCCG’s Urgent Care Clinical Lead Dr Barbara Batty, said: “It is fantastic news, the SOS bus will be able to provide fast and effective treatment to people in the centre of Oxford, especially during the festive period where there is an increase in people out in pubs and clubs in the city.”

An SOS bus was launched in Northern Ireland in 2007 and has so far helped over 221,000 people.

OCCG funded the £55,000 scheme and the bus was loaned to SCAS from St John Ambulance.

District manager for St John Ambulance, Craig Heigold, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with SCAS to support this initiative. By providing a mobile treatment centre and trained volunteers we can help ensure that anyone who needs first aid gets it. I’m sure the benefits to those enjoying a night out in the city will be immeasurable.”

Last month, an Oxford University study recommended a minor injuries unit be set up in the city centre after a Healthwatch survey found a “surprisingly high proportion” of Oxford University students used A&E.

There are also similar SOS bus schemes in Norwich, Colchester and Basildon.

 

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