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Report of Meeting held in September 2011
The main fund-raising event of the year, Teas in the Boathouse, was held in August. The beautiful weather and splendid array of homemade cakes and savouries meant that the day was enjoyed by both villagers and visitors. Everything sold and a record amount was raised.
At the September meeting, the business was kept mainly to planning for future events including visits to other WIs, the Lindisfarne Group meeting, entries for the County Day exhibition, local walks and plans for a course leading to a Certificate in Food Safety. This was completed quickly to allow plenty of time for the main activity.
The president introduced Peter Goode, a consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine at the RVI. He outlined the history and the development of A and E services since the 19th century, particularly tracing influences of health and safety regulations and major disasters such as Aberfan, Dunblane, Hillsborough, the Bradford fire disaster, Zeebrugge Ferry, Lockerbie and Piper Alpha in which members of Boulmer Air Crew played a significant role and were awarded the Queen’s medal for gallantry.
Peter gave examples of what we have learned from specific disasters such as how the Stevenage rail crash changed train design, and how Dunblane changed gun laws and attitudes to the freedom of children. The lessons learned and threats of terrorism have led to increased emphasis on preparation and coordination of agencies and services, and to more attention being given to training in how to prevent accidents and how to work in teams to deal with disasters. An example was given of how Hillborough changed approaches to crowd control and support. Prior to this, potential troublemakers had been caged with no thought for safety and a doctor was not specifically available for injuries to members of the crowd, only for players. Today a match cannot take place unless such a doctor is present, a role which Peter now fulfils at St James Park.
He outlined the organisation of emergency medical cover for the area from Berwick to Teeside and east to west coast, which is served by three air ambulances. There are eighteen A and E units and two major trauma units: the RVI and Teeside. The revamped RVI now has a helipad on the roof and rooms for teenagers and children, with trained specialist paediatric nurses and facilities appropriate for distressed children.
Changes in licencing laws have also affected Accident and Emergency Services. There has been a 50% increase in alcohol related accidents and injuries, which used to be usually in the hospital before 2am when the night clubs closed but now often arrive up to 5am and stay until 7am.
Peter told us that he gives time to talk with his team after they have dealt with an emergency. This is important as it enables the staff to talk about what has happened and to leave the stress at work rather than take it home.
A vote of thanks was given by Joyce Shaw, who thanked Peter for delivering a clear, insightful and informative talk about a serious topic in such an engaging and entertaining manner.
After the talk we enjoyed a pooled supper, including a delicious cake made by Peter’s daughter, Phillipa Goode, who was a welcome guest. The hostesses were Heather Lee, Pat Jones and Pete Green The competition was won by Shirley Harrison, with Ann Mallen in second place, and Sybil Dawson third. The raffle was won by Jeanette Archbold and Vivienne Lowerson.
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