2 MARCH 2026
Heartless – we call on the City to provide defibrillators for residents
February was “Heart Month”. For most communities that means a focus on improving cardiac heath. The City of London, however, is heartlessly refusing to provide the defibrillators it promised residents in 2024.
In September 2024, the Forum was approached by the chair of Policy and Resources, Chris Hayward (via councillors Steve Goodman and Helen Fentiman), seeking ‘quick wins’ under his ‘residential reset’. The Forum suggested a list of projects, including defibrillators. These can cost as little as £1,600 but make a big difference in emergencies, especially in the crucial four minutes after a cardiac arrest.
Most heart attacks happen at home – over 70% according to the London Ambulance Service – which explains why they classify an area in deficit as one with fewer than one defibrillator per 1,000 residents. On this metric, there should should be at least 5 in this area. There are none on Golden Lane Estate, nor in Tudor Rose Court sheltered housing and only 3 elsewhere. Two are provided by the City in Barbican tower blocks, and one on Moor Lane which local businesses funded at residents’ request.
To be available in the four minutes after a cardiac arrest there really should be one per block as it takes about 11 minutes for a London ambulance to arrive on average and it can take longer.
Defibrillators were given the go-ahead, we were promised, in October 2024. Despite endless chasing, there has been no progress since then. The Barbican and Golden Lane Neighbourhood Forum now calls on the City of London to make good on its promise of defibrillators for residents. Our topic paper, ‘Heartless’ explains more.
Health walk and talk – including visit to Barts Heritage – Tuesday 28th April, 2pm – save the date
We need your input to our ongoing work on health and living well in the Barbican and Golden Lane. Please save the date if you are interested in joining us on a walk and talk about health on Tuesday 28th April – starting at the Sir Ralph Perrin Centre at 2pm and finishing with a special guided tour by Barts Heritage of the newly-restored Great Hall. Numbers are limited to 20 and we will let you know when booking opens.
Please spread the word and encourage your neighbours to join the Forum.
