A NEW defibrillator could be installed at the Westgate Centre in Oxford.

Advertising company JCDecaux wants to install the device as part of a ‘communication hub’ on Castle Street and has submitted an application to Oxford City Council, the planning authority.

The plans include a digital advertising display, an accessible pay phone and additional free public services, including Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, a 32" interactive touch screen with wayfinding and council information and an automated external defibrillator.

A cover letter submitted as part of the application said: “The hub unit is purposefully designed to be a freely accessible service that includes Wi-Fi, phone calls, wayfinding, device charging, emergency service call button, defibrillator and other functions combined into a single piece of furniture.

“It supports the general aim of using smart technology to declutter our streets and reduce unnecessary furniture.”

Oxford Mail:

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Since JCDecaux launched the hubs in 2019, the life-saving devices installed in 20 cities around the country have been used more than 300 times.

A spokesperson from Community Heartbeat Trust charity, whose aim is to help and support communities in the correct provision of defibrillators, said: “Community defibrillation has the ability to be a powerful and lifesaving service, but only if done correctly, and as part of a sustainable, governance led, and resilient programme.

“There is a duty of care to ensure that this is the right equipment, adheres to legislation, is available and ready when needed; and is easily accessible; easy to use and easy to maintain.”

The council is expected to make a decision by December 26.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi