 Police hope the hospital will make the area safer for club-goes |
Police in Plymouth have announced the site of a permanent field hospital to deal with people injured in the city's nightclub area. The new field hospital is to be based just off Union street at the Shekinah Mission in Bath Street.
A limited pilot was undertaken in April and May when a police incident vehicle and an ambulance were used to treat victims of violence.
The new treatment centre will run from Friday in time for bank holiday crowds.
Victim support
The field hospital, which is being set up in a building by police and the NHS, will allow trained health staff to treat injuries on the spot and assess whether further hospital treatment is needed.
It will be staffed on Friday and Saturday nights with police officers, a paramedic and ambulance crew.
Victims of crime will also gain instant access to officers allowing offences to be investigated much more quickly. Members of the charity Victim Support will also be on hand to offer their services if wanted.
The new treatment centre will be ready for action this weekend and is set for a two-month trial run.
Ch Insp Andy Bickley said: "We want to influence and develop the culture of policing night time Plymouth to bring down crime and make the area safer for all those who work or visit the city centre."
A Westcountry Ambulance Services spokesperson said: "We are confident that it will provide an enhanced service to Plymouth residents and visitors alike, ensuring that only those who need to go to hospital do so, and those who need immediate care, will receive it in the shortest time possible."
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