- The government is inviting community organisations to bid for
funding for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for their
area
- £1 million fund to increase the number of AEDs in public
places where they are most needed
- Funding will provide an estimated 1000 new defibrillators in
community spaces across England
Organisations across England are being invited to bid for a share
of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving
defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks
or post offices.
Today (Wednesday 28 June 2023), the Department of Health and
Social Care is inviting interested organisations to register
expressions of interest for its £1 million Community Automated
External Defibrillators (AED) Fund, aimed at increasing the
number of AEDs in public places where they are most needed and
help save lives.
An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are to be provided by the
fund, with the potential for this to double as successful
applicants will be asked to match the funding they receive
partially or fully.
As part of the grant award, applicants will be asked to
demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where
they are most needed, such as places with high footfall,
vulnerable people, rural areas, or due to the nature of activity
at the site.
Examples could include town halls, community centres, local
shops, post offices and local parks, to ensure that
defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and
easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected
cardiac arrest.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, , said:
“We know, through inspiring stories of ordinary people, being
kept alive thanks to the swift use of a defibrillator in public,
that these extraordinary devices must be accessible to all.
“I urge any organisation that may benefit from a defibrillator –
whether you’re a sports club, local theatre or community hall –
to register your interest for this fund so that we can get more
of this life-saving technology placed around England.”
Minister of State for Care, , said:
“When a friend, family member, neighbour or even a total stranger
is experiencing cardiac arrest, the quick use of a defibrillator
in an easy to reach place can be the lifeline that keeps them
with us.
“If you run a space in your community that could benefit from
one, please register your interest for our £1 million grant, and
join our drive to widen the availability of this incredible
technology.”
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director
for NHS England said:
“When someone goes into cardiac arrest it’s
crucial that they are given effective CPR and quick
defibrillation to restart their heart.
“This new fund is a great opportunity for grassroots
organisations to ensure that their community has access to
lifesaving equipment in their moment of need.
“As the NHS turns 75, we will continue to adopt new technology
and promote access to innovations, such as Automated External
Defibrillator, which can improve care and treatment for patients
and help save lives.”
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government
Association said:
“Councils are working hard to install new defibrillators where
they are needed the most, such as in parks and community spaces
as well providing funding for local organisations to do the
same.
“This new funding will help to support this vital effort, helping
to potentially save the lives of thousands of people across the
country.”
The department will invest the funding through an independent
partner, drawn from the Government’s Crown Commercial Service
list of approved suppliers, to manage grant applications from
bidding organisations.
To accelerate the administration of the grant in advance of the
partner being chosen, prospective organisations who wish to
obtain funding for a defibrillator are now invited to register an
expression of interest with the Department of Health and Social
Care.
Organisations who submit an expression of interest will be
notified once grant applications open to the Department of Health
and Social Care’s £1m Community AED Fund.
The funding is part of the government’s drive to equip the health
system with the right technology to ease pressures, reduce
backlogs and cut waiting lists, and to improve public access to
care when they need it.
