Last week I had a meeting with our local Clinical Commissioning Group to discuss the vaccine rollout in Cannock Chase.
I was briefed on the current status of the vaccination programme in Staffordshire and here in Cannock Chase, the efforts of our local sites and the plans going forward.
It was a very positive meeting and I am pleased that even more sites are coming online this week, seeing even more of those most at risk from Covid-19 getting vaccinated.
It goes without saying that this is the biggest vaccination programme in the NHS’ history and the NHS is working hard to roll out the vaccine as quickly as possible, as supplies increase.
The NHS is continuing to prioritise those at greatest risk first and an excellent start has been made in Staffordshire, rapidly rolling out the vaccine thanks to the clinicians, staff and volunteers.
There is a robust process in place locally, led by local clinicians who are used to delivering a range of vaccination programmes, and there has been a fantastic response from people over 80, coming forward for their appointments.
If you haven’t been contacted for your appointment, the NHS want to reassure you that you have not been forgotten. The NHS is experienced in delivering vaccinations and anyone in a priority group will be invited in the coming weeks. Please wait to be contacted and you will receive an appointment to attend your local GP surgery, a larger local site or a national vaccination centre.
The CCG estimate 50% of at risk residents will be given their vaccine at one of the community sites led by NHS Primary Care Networks (groups of GP practices). Many health and care workers will go through the hospital hubs or the larger vaccination sites. There are many patients who are housebound or in care homes. A roving team will be able to offer support these patients over the coming weeks to receive the vaccine.
I understand there is some frustration locally and people want to know what is happing with the vaccinations, I want to reassure you that our local NHS clinicians and GPs have a well thought out and resourced plan to deliver the vaccination in Cannock Chase.
A list of local vaccination centres has been published here - https://www.staffordsurroundsccg.nhs.uk/our-services2/vaccination-sites?fbclid=IwAR17J8PsysZwwKAkeoUXPIfMnuWSMo_XXNwGXK490RWBoELnvTyKUJ9PGqg
A FAQ about the vaccination programme in Staffordshire is available here - https://www.staffordsurroundsccg.nhs.uk/news-events/publications/our-ccg/our-services/1596-covid-19-faq-final?fbclid=IwAR2Qmy4stxWbOGeX9XccLJxKNgymnnSU7TW-DsX9GyY3gm47J-6Q4T32Utk
I will continue to post updates as more information is made available.
