Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, celebrated the work of Levern Valley Defibrillator Partnership in a debate in Holyrood this week.

A particular vote of thanks was made to Douglas Yates who established the life-saving partnership in 2018 and who worked to bring on board organisations such as East Renfrewshire Council, Barrhead, Rotary, Barrhead Housing Association and Field Electrics from Neilston.

The work of the partnership has seen the installation of 18 life-saving Public Access Defibrillators across the area to date.

Commenting after the debate, Tom said:

“This community-based initiative will save lives in the Levern Valley. For someone who is in cardiac arrest, it is essential that a defibrillator is found as quickly as possible, as the chances of survival reduce by up to 10% for each minute delay.

“I am pleased to see the collaborative work that has taken place to ensure these easy to use devices are made available, and it is great to see work taken to publicise their location.

“This project represents the best of my home town Barrhead and I want to recognise the hard work and commitment of the Partnership, and Douglas Yates in particular, for making this happen.”

Douglas Yates also added:

“The partnership was developed by the motivation to protect people in Barrhead and provide the opportunity for people to survive cardiac arrest.

 “Too many people die because life-saving equipment can’t get to them quickly enough and we aim to keep expanding the project until we are satisfied that there are a sufficient number of devices to help people wherever they are in the town.

 “Barrhead has become a much safer place and the community are responding positively to our work and looking after this essential equipment, and we hope this support will continue as we seek sponsorship to maintain our defibrillators.”

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