Cambridge City Care Initiative a Huge Success
Tuesday, 29 January, 2008
A care tent which provided medical treatment and crime advice over the festive period has proved a great success.
For the third year running the joint agency tent was set up in Cambridge City Centre on December 21 and 31.
Representatives from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), St John Ambulance and Territorial Army 254 Medical Detachment (TA) staffed the care facility. Its aim was to reduce crime, help vulnerable people and provide short term care and medical treatment during these traditionally busy nights.
The police managed the event, providing security for staff working there and dealing with issues of crime and disorder as they arose. EEAST oversaw the clinical management at the facility, while the local TA provided most of the equipment and also nursing care and assistance throughout the events. St John Ambulance provided an ambulance and crew.
During New Years Eve the facility saw 38 patients, many brought to the facility by ambulances while others self presented or were referred by police. Patients presented with a multitude of conditions from traditional over indulgences of the festive season to primary care complaints.
Addenbrooke's A&E was reported to be the quietest in many years and initial reports from the police suggest a reduction in crime within the area.
David Monk, Clinical Field Operations Manager for EEAST, who oversaw the clinical aspects of the facility, said, "The interagency initiative was a huge success, enabling the people of Cambridge to receive timely and appropriate medical care while ensuring that Addenbrooke's was not overwhelmed. Thanks go to my colleagues and other agencies involved for their huge efforts in making this partnership possible for the third year running."
