Success for St John Ambulance Guildford Freshers Week pop-up treatment centre
Volunteers from national healthcare and first aid charity, St John Ambulance recently operated a Night-Time Economy (NTE) pop-up treatment centre in Guildford between 22:00-04:00 BST. The successful event, held during university freshers was organised in partnership with Guildford and Waverley Health and Care Alliance who linked in closely with the University of Surrey to ensure new and current students were aware of the support available ahead of their night out.
Skilled first aiders and healthcare professionals were on hand to offer guidance and support across both nighttime sessions. In addition to first aid, the St John team was able to assist with general welfare, which included services like phone charging, access to water, and practical support for a safe journey home.
The pop-up service provided a safe space for students as well as for those not in the university community to seek medical and/or welfare attention during freshers week in the centre of Guildford. St John volunteers also worked alongside other organisations including the Street Angels, Surrey Police and nightclub venues to ensure individuals got the help they needed.
The night-time treatment pop-upmanaged a 90% discharge rate across the two nights it was on offer, which contributed massively to reducing A&E presentations while also improving the welfare of individuals on their night out in Guildford.