Forum Topic

Applications for the placement of Defibrillators in Putney

The Putney Society has been trying for several years to get defibrillators into Putney Town centre. Defibrillators have proven to be essential in the first few minutes after someone collapses and their heart has stopped. If one can be used in the time whilst waiting for an ambulance, the greater the chance the person has of surviving. The Putney Society was instrumental in getting one installed in Putney Station, but sadly that was stolen quite soon after installation, and a replacement would be stolen just as quickly. We got agreement for one to be installed in the Exchange, and the Rotary Club sponsored that one (on the left hand side as you walk in to the Waitrose entrance). Repeated attempts to get East Putney tube station to install one were made, without success. Out of about 272 Tube Stations, only 214 have defibrillators. Putney Bridge has one, but not East Putney or Putney Station. JC Decaux installed one on Putney Bridge Rd, outside Jubilee House. That one is locked, but can be accessed in about 90 seconds. Debate was had about the JC Decaux hub, because it is also an advertising hub, and street furniture, but having a defibrillator, free local phone calls, USB free charging and a charging platform make it more acceptable. On talking to JC Decaux they agreed that they would, if their applications were approved, install one on the wall directly outside Putney Station, one on Putney High St opposite the Station, and one within 100 metres of East Putney Tube station, which falls within the 200m recommended by Community Heartbeat Trust. They would also ensure the upkeep and monitoring of the unit.  They would also remove the older larger 3 sided phone hub they have currently on the Upper Richmond Rd, outside Gazette. NO TRAINING is required to use one – they are fully automated and easy instructions are given on how to use one. The Spencer Arms recently had one installed, and we were told subsequently someone’s life was saved using it.The applications for the Defibrillator Hub in Stamford Square, Upper Richmond Road have attracted objections as it will increase "street clutter".  The Putney Society has written a letter of support as we can’t find an alternative way of providing defibrillators that are available 24/7.Comment, whether for or against, would be appreciated on Wandsworth’s planning page, where the application numbers are:Stamford Square, Upper Richmond Road 2022/1377 and 2022/1433Putney Station/Putney High St 2022/1441 and 2022/1374More information on the defibrillator hubs by JC Decaux can be read on https://www.jcdecaux.co.uk/news/street-furniture-could-save-lives-comes-uks-high-streets

Putney Society ● 1362d6 Comments

I hadn't seen the TfL objection. That's interesting. They don't object to the many advertising hubs on Putney Bridge Road, which include several telephone ones, all on the same block where the defibrillator is, outside Jubilee House.The Putney Society tried so many times to find ways of getting defibrillators into Putney, without any success at all. We primarily wanted unlocked ones, but after the one in the Station was stolen, were advised that unlocked ones are stolen pretty quickly, and they are expensive items of equipment. We only learned of the JC Decaux one on the Lower Richmond Rd when another resident told us it was there, and had been used. We checked it out, and discovered it had developed a fault, informed JC Decaux, who had it fixed it within the hour. Discussion followed, and we asked if they would consider putting any more defibrillators in Putney, and things went from there. Certainly no blackmail involved! Apologies if that's how my wording sounds. In an ideal world TfL would have installed one at East Putney, and Rail Co would have put one in at the Station, and we'd all be happy campers, but they won't. Or can't. Either way, I personally would rather have a defbrillator or two, to start with anyway. If it all gets approved, we would have 3 new defibrillators, two with advertising, and one wall mounted outside the Station. And one advantage is that JC Decaux maintain and ensure the proper upkeep of the equipment, together with the charity Community Heart Beat.Victoria

Putney Society ● 1360d

Ivonne, I'd agree we shouldn't be dependent on an advertising company to provide essential equipment such as defibrillators, but I guess if this is the only way to get them then it's better than nothing and I can't blame the company for using it to their advantage when applying for planning permission. I must read the applications in more detail but if TfL are going to object surely they should do it on the basis they'll be supplying a defibrillator instead.It says something about this country's government when billions are spent with consultants on a rickety test and trace system and unsuitable PPE is bought from dubious sources but we rely on advertising for providing life saving equipment that should already be in place.

Michael Ixer ● 1362d

Hello Michael,I agree more defibrillators are a brilliant idea.  Personally, I am not too sure about the advertising hub...I read through some objections on the proposal for East Putney, together with comments of support and one general comment.  The latter is from TfL objecting to this proposal (driver distraction, too near a pedestrian crossing among others).  To my surprise, TfL is requesting that this proposal is rejected....

Ivonne Holliday ● 1362d

Adding more defibrillators seems an excellent idea. Pity the one for East Putney can't be located closer on the concourse outside the station - I assume TfL don't want it there or JCD can't locate it there for some other reason? Otherwise the location by Stamford Sq where there's room seems the next best option? I don't have a problem with the combined advertising, phone, Wi Fi and defibrillator stations if the advertising covers the costs; presumably the alternative is the Council or NHS could provide defibrillators via taxes but that isn't going to happen, is it!Slightly puzzled as there seemed to be two applications for outside Dexters on PHS but I could see one for outside Putney Station, or perhaps my cut and paste of reference numbers went wrong.

Michael Ixer ● 1362d

Hello Victoria,I had a quick look at the applications.  I do support the installation of defibrillators wholeheartedly.  As you say, "Debate was had about the JC Decaux hub, because it is also [mainly] an advertising hub and street furniture [clutter]."  I agree with this too.The proposed location for the East Putney advertising hub with a defibrillator is wrong, in my view.  Having it closer to the station would be sensible and certainly in a less obstructive place.  By this I mean not taking so much room on pavements that are narrow in that area.Thank you.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1362d

Thank you for the information.What I do object to is the statement that:"On talking to JC Decaux they agreed that they would, if their applications were approved, install one on the wall directly outside Putney Station, one on Putney High St opposite the Station, and one within 100 metres of East Putney Tube station..."The reason I object to this is because it sounds a bit like blackmail, particularly as many of JC Decaux's planning applications have received so many objections.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1362d