LIFESAVING work to bring more defibrillators to Barrhead has been praised in the Scottish Parliament.

Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, led a debate last week into the Levern Valley Defibrillator Partnership that has seen 18 of the public access devices (PADs) added in the local area since 2018, with the most recent being unveiled at Fereneze Golf Club.

The SNP man told Holyrood: “The work of the partnership has demonstrated the vibrancy of community spirit in the area and it is work that will save lives.

“In cases of cardiac arrest in which a shockable rhythm is present, an automated external defibrillator of the kind that is being installed across the Levern Valley can have a positive impact on the chances of survival."

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Mr Arthur also praised Douglas Yates for setting up the partnership to bring organisations on board such as East Renfrewshire Council, Barrhead Rotary, Barrhead Housing Association and Field Electrics, of Neilston.

Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, thanked Mr Arthur for the debate and also praised members of the partnership. 

He said: “The Levern Valley Partnership is going above and beyond to ensure that its community can identify the signs of a cardiac arrest and act appropriately."

Mr Yates has welcomed the efforts to raise awareness of the partnership.

He said: “The partnership was developed by the motivation to protect people in Barrhead and provide the opportunity for people to survive cardiac arrest.

“Too many people die because lifesaving equipment can’t get to them quickly enough and we aim to keep expanding the project until we’re satisfied there are a sufficient number of devices to help people wherever they are in the town.

“Barrhead has become a much safer place and the community are responding positively to our work."