MP praises ‘fantastic start’ to county’s vaccine rollout
THE vaccine rollout across the county continues, with more than 61,000 doses administered in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
In the Midlands, more than 690,000 people have received a vaccine, with more than 756,000 doses administered in total across the area.
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, said: “The NHS vaccination programme, the biggest in our country’s history, has got off to a fantastic start thanks to the hard work of all of those involved.
“Here in Leicestershire, vaccines are being administered to patients registered with every one of our 132 GP practices; vaccine hubs are working tirelessly throughout the county with more to come online soon; and hundreds of volunteers have signed up locally to help with this national effort.
“My thanks go out to every one of them.
“It’s great to see that so many people in my area have received the vaccine as we lead the world in our fight back against coronavirus.
“I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months – and I urge everyone to do the same when they get the call up.”
The volunteers who are helping run the Covid-19 vaccination hub at Hinckley Leisure Centre have been thanked for their efforts. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has expressed its thanks to residents who have volunteered to become marshals, essential for ensuring the smooth arrival on site of people coming in for vaccinations. More than 500 volunteers were recruited over three days and they work alongside council staf. Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, said: “In conjunction with local charity Next Generation and other local community groups, we have been overwhelmed by the support that residents have showed volunteering for this role, continuing to support their local community.
“Over the coming months the marshals will welcome many thousands of residents to receive their vaccination and I would like to take this opportunity thank each and every one of them.”
Marshal Lucy Flatters is currently on furlough from Hinckley Rugby Club.
She said: “I wanted to help out and helping the community is the type of work I’m used to doing at my usual job at the rugby club.”
Stephen Lane is a foster carer who volunteered as soon as he saw the appeal for volunteers.
He said: “I just wanted to help out; I enjoy getting out and meeting people.”
Due to the huge response, at the moment no further volunteers are required for the marshal role.
However, Next Generation, Voluntary Action Leicestershire and NHS Volunteers still have a range of opportunities for interested residents, for example as telephone befriending, active friends and digital champions. To get involved, visit the Next Generation website.
Vulnerable residents in Hinckley can get free transport to their coronavirus vaccinations thanks to a service being run by Dial a Ride, Hinckley and Bosworth Community Transport and Westfield Community Centre.
Lifts are available to centres in the area, for those who otherwise would not be able to attend.
To find out more, contact Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport on Hinckley 250462 or email dialaride21@hotmail.com
You can also get in touch with Westfields Community Centre on Hinckley 637516/07980 or email westfieldvolunteers@ westfieldcc.org.uk
I look forward to getting my vaccine over the coming months – and I urge everyone to do the same. Dr luke evans MP