MPs highlight 'defib deserts'

THREE North East MPs have called for action over “defibrillator deserts” in a moving Westminster debate.

- By SAM VOLPE

One even highlighted the terrifying case of a constituent who lay in the snow at a Tyneside beauty spot for 20 minutes waiting for lifesaving care when there was not a nearby defibrillator.

Fortunately, the man - who had suffered a cardiac arrest in the Derwent Walk nature reserve in Gateshead - survived both that incident, and a subsequent second cardiac arrest just weeks later.

Consett and Blaydon Labour MP Liz Twist spoke in a Westminster Hall debate this week to raise the issue.

The debate had been secured by Bishop Auckland Labour MP Sam Rushworth, who highlighted how more than half of people in his own constituency lived further than recommended from a defibrillator. During his own speech, he paid tribute to former Durham County Councillor George Smith, who died this week.

He said: “George was chair of the parish council in West Auckland and a former Durham county councillor. To everybody who knew him, he was a great man who always had a twinkle in his eye and an energy and desire to serve others.