“Booze bus” closes after funding dries up - REACTIVE ONLY
North East Ambulance Service has today announced the closure of its Alcohol Reception Facility – commonly referred to as the “booze bus” – after the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The facility, which is paid for North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and staffed by medics from St John Ambulance, supports individuals suffering minor injuries or the effects of drinking too much on a Friday and Saturday night. It has also been a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, who can drop-in.
It is estimated that the facility – a converted coach which can move around the cities of North East as required – saves approximately five ambulance journeys to hospital each night.
Paul Liversidge, NEAS Chief Operating Officer, said: “This was not a decision that we have taken lightly. We anticipate that stopping this initiative will increase pressure on our emergency care crews on a Friday and Saturday night, placing more demand upon our already over-stretched staff and hospital partners.”
Costs for the facility has been met through one-off payments over the past year and by an under-spend on paramedics in the service because of a national shortage. However, as NEAS continue to recruit paramedics to full establishment, the funding for their salaries is no longer available to continue with the Alcohol Reception Facility.
Paul added: “We have sought support for the costs to continue with this initiative, but to date we have not received a positive response. Consequently, this service will end on 1 April 2016.”
The facility, which is paid for North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and staffed by medics from St John Ambulance, supports individuals suffering minor injuries or the effects of drinking too much on a Friday and Saturday night. It has also been a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, who can drop-in.
It is estimated that the facility – a converted coach which can move around the cities of North East as required – saves approximately five ambulance journeys to hospital each night.
Paul Liversidge, NEAS Chief Operating Officer, said: “This was not a decision that we have taken lightly. We anticipate that stopping this initiative will increase pressure on our emergency care crews on a Friday and Saturday night, placing more demand upon our already over-stretched staff and hospital partners.”
Costs for the facility has been met through one-off payments over the past year and by an under-spend on paramedics in the service because of a national shortage. However, as NEAS continue to recruit paramedics to full establishment, the funding for their salaries is no longer available to continue with the Alcohol Reception Facility.
Paul added: “We have sought support for the costs to continue with this initiative, but to date we have not received a positive response. Consequently, this service will end on 1 April 2016.”