North East Ambulance Service to provide additional clinical support in Durham City during festive period

From 11 November until the end of December, a NEAS ambulance crew will be based at the Night Safe Hub at St Nic's Church, Durham, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, operating alongside existing partners who support the city's night-time economy.

The enhanced provision follows a request from City of Durham Parish Council and will see ambulance clinicians available to assess and treat people who require medical assistance while enjoying a night out in the city. The resource will not be dedicated solely to the hub and will remain available to respond to 999 emergency calls when required.

The Durham Night Safe Hub operates from St Nic's Church between 9pm and approximately 3am, providing a safe and welcoming environment for people who may be vulnerable, become unwell or require assistance during a night out. Wednesday evening provision will conclude at the end of the university academic term in December.

The hub is staffed by a partnership of agencies including Durham County Council's Safer Streets Officers, a security officer provided by Vistech Security, Durham Constabulary officers and Street Friends volunteers, who provide pastoral support. Staff utilise Durham's Pubwatch radio network and CCTV systems and liaise with licensed premises across the city centre.

The arrangement brings healthcare professionals closer to where people need support and helps to ensure they receive the right care in the right place.

Stephen Segasby, chief operating officer at the North East Ambulance Service, said: "The Durham Night Safe Hub provides a place of safety and support for people who may find themselves vulnerable, unwell or in need of assistance during a night out.

"By introducing additional clinical support from North East Ambulance Service, we're strengthening an existing partnership approach that already brings together Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, security staff and volunteers to help keep people safe.

"Our clinicians will be able to assess and support patients where appropriate, helping people receive timely care while reducing unnecessary pressure on emergency departments and ambulance resources.

"Importantly, the ambulance resource based at the hub will remain available for 999 emergencies, meaning we can continue to respond to patients across Durham while supporting the city's wider efforts to ensure residents, students and visitors can enjoy the festive season safely."

David Freeman, parish councillor for Elvet and Gilesgate said: “This is a transformational step forward for Durham’s Safety Hub. The City of Durham Parish Council has worked alongside our partners to secure medical support, making the case to a range of NHS colleagues of the need for them to participate in the work of this hub as a strategic partner. I am delighted that the North East Ambulance Service has agreed to provide this additional cover". 

He added: "The city safety hub we helped to establish in 2022 is a vital part of keeping Durham safe at night and having paramedics available will strengthen that support enormously; helping people receive timely care and easing pressure on emergency services. This agreement shows what determined partnership working can achieve. We are grateful to NEAS and everyone involved in the hub, as the City of Durham Parish Council has been a consistent partner in supporting the work of the hub."