New defibrillator installed at Batchwood to support local golfers and the community
A new external defibrillator has been installed at Batchwood Golf and Sports Centre to provide vital lifesaving equipment for golfers, visitors and the wider community.
Representatives from Everyone Active and St Albans City and District Council were present for the installation, which was jointly funded by Everyone Active and Batchwood Hall Golf Club, with an additional contribution from Batchwood Hall Bowls Club.
The initiative was prompted by a tragic incident last year in which a golf club member sadly passed away, despite the best efforts of staff who acted swiftly and used the on-site defibrillator.
Following the incident, the team reviewed emergency procedures and identified an opportunity to strengthen provision further by installing an external unit. This ensures a defibrillator is available at all times - including for golfers who tee off early before the centre opens, or for members of the public using the surrounding grounds.
The new defibrillator has been positioned directly outside of the front entrance to provide 24-hour access and is registered on the national defibrillator network so that anyone can locate it quickly in an emergency.
Everyone Active manages Batchwood Golf & Sports Centre on behalf of St Albans City and District Council.
James McNulty, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said:
The safety and wellbeing of our members and the local community is always our top priority. After the sad events of last year, we wanted to take further steps to make sure lifesaving equipment is as accessible as possible at all times.
We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Batchwood Hall Golf Club and St Albans City and District Council to make this happen, ensuring that support is available whenever it’s needed.
Councillor Helen Campbell, Lead for Leisure for St Albans City and District Council, said:
I am impressed by the way Everyone Active has reacted to last year’s tragedy when a golfer sadly died despite the efforts by staff to revive him.
To be prepared in case of another similar event, they are providing a new defibrillator, placed outside the centre building.
This one will be accessible 24/7 and is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all who use the centre.
The new defibrillator is now fully operational and available for use in emergencies. It is also listed on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, which helps emergency services and members of the public locate the nearest available device. Find out more at www.thecircuit.uk.
Photo: from the left; examining the new defibrillator are John Turkentine, Vice-President and Coach of Batchwood Hall Golf Club; Councillor Helen Campbell, Lead for Leisure; James McNulty, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager; and Richard Sullivan, Club Captain of Batchwood Hall Golf Club.
ENDS
For press information, please contact:
Victoria Watkins | Regional PR & Communications Manager
victoriawatkins@everyoneactive.com
07739 985325
Everyone Active
Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports Leisure Management (SLM), which operates leisure facilities and cultural services across England. SLM Ltd was formed in 1987, managing just one leisure centre in the Midlands. Today, Everyone Active manages in excess of 230 sites in partnership with, or as agent of, more than 65 local authorities. These stretch from Sunderland in the north to Lowestoft in the east, Chichester in the south to Bristol in the south west. The company’s growth is due to the ability to deliver well-managed leisure facilities and an activity offering which provides great value for money. Everyone Active aims to increase the participation of local people in leisure activities, advocating a minimum of 30 minutes exercise, five times per week. www.everyoneactive.com