Tom Hayes calls for action on defibrillator rollout

Over 40 percent of postcodes in Bournemouth East do not have direct access to a defibrillator

Author: Amy Woodward, LDRSPublished 13th Sep 2025

Bournemouth East MP has asked for Parliament for a national rollout of defibrillators.

New research shows that over 40 percent of postcodes in Bournemouth East do not have direct access to a defibrillator within the time frame that is crucial to save a life.

During the debate Mr Hayes asked “Will my honourable friend join me in congratulating the work of Bournemouth Heart Club, which promotes good heart health, and also Regency Living, HENRA-Hengistbury Residents’ Association—and St Nicholas Church, which funded a defibrillator at St Nicholas Church that, just seven weeks after installation, saved a life at Hengistbury Head?”

Mr Hayes recently visited St Nicholas’ Church to speak at a HENRA formal meeting and their VE Day community event.

Bournemouth Heart Club is one of two purpose-built heart clubs in the UK and hosts 45 weekly classes supporting cardiac and diabetes recovery. 85 percent of diabetes participants in these classes report improved health.

A national roll out will help tackle the postcode lottery which put lives at risk.

Mr Hayes is urging action to prioritise defibrillator access in high-risk areas and pledged to keep campaigning until all postcodes in Bournemouth East are covered.