Devon night safety team eases pressure on NHS

The scheme will continue for at least two more years

A night-time pilot scheme has helped more that 150 people in six months, according to Torbay and South Devon's NHS.

It provides medical and welfare care and assistance to people out at night.

The NHS praised the Safe Space scheme saying it had eased the pressure at the hospital's emergency department.

The service is made up of a paramedic, emergency nurse practitioner, a first responder with an ambulance, and an undercover area on Torquay Marina.

Its aim is to assist night-time revellers who may be unwell or in need of support who use the busy local bars and clubs.

It also provides bottles of water, anti-spiking bottle tips, phone charging and a safe space for individuals to wait for their transport home.

Arun Chandran, Torbay and South Devon NHS's chief operating officer, said the service has helped reduce pressure on the ambulances in the area.

The pilot has eased pressure on the ambulance service said the Torbay and South Devon NHS Chief Officer

He said: "Working with our partners, this scheme has so far ensured that those who need low-level emergency treatment can receive it and rapidly, without the need to having to attend the emergency department at Torbay Hospital."

The success of the Safe Space pilot has meant support has been agreed for at least a further two years.

The pilot is a collaboration between Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Devon, Torbay Council, Devon & Cornwall Police, Event Paramedic, Platinum Street Marshals and security, street pastors, and local night-time economy businesses.

"I thank our partner agencies for their support," said Mr Chandran.

The service was set up in July 2023, and within the first six months - 42 nights of service - the team treated 164 individuals with medical needs.