Drunks can sleep it off at field hospital - News - Evening Standard
       

Drunks can sleep it off at field hospital

Suburban binge drinkers are to be treated at a field hospital to ease the pressure on casualty departments.

Revellers suffering the after-effects of heavy drinking will be directed to the triage centre rather than A&E.

The pilot scheme, which starts tonight in Kingston town centre, is the latest in a series of initiatives across the country to help free up NHS beds. Staffed by a casualty nurse and a team of assistants from St John Ambulance, the centre, called A Safe Place, will also offer beds for drinkers to rest and sober up.

Drinkers will be directed to the centre by police and nightclub doormen. The five-week scheme will run from 11pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday nights in the foyer of Market House.

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