A BUSINESSMAN is launching a new social enterprise with a unique belief that he can ease the ever-increasing pressures on the NHS.

Medical instructor John Phillips is opening National Health Life Support (NHLS) which he said will promote basic life support and first aid in the community.

The aims of NHLS are simple – training communities will enable them to manage non-life threatening situations and reduce ambulance call outs and unnecessary hospital visits.

He believes that empowering communities is the key to supporting the NHS and preserving it for future generations.

John is well known locally for his work promoting first aid training with charities including the Hastings and Bexhill Street pastors.

Now, after more than a year of preparation, he is about to launch NHLS on the web and in his local community.

John said: "I am passionate about the NHS and I’m not the only one who can see that it is in a critical condition.

"By taking some responsibility for our own care we can relieve some of the pressure on the NHS.

"We are all guilty of taking the service for granted but I have a workable plan to take the strain away from the medical front line and give back vital time to our medical professionals so that they can do what they do best – save lives.”

The launch of NHLS on July 5 on Eastbourne Pier coincides with the 68th anniversary of the beginning of the National Health Service.

It was set up after the Labour politician Aneurin Bevan had fought a long a bitter campaign with opposition politicians and the medical profession to finally introduce high quality health care for all - free at the point of need.

For more details on the NHLS project residents can contact John Phillips on 07730 160698.