First look at mass vaccine centre as its doors open
THIS is the first look inside Greater Manchester’s mass coronavirus vaccination centre ahead of its opening today.
The site, at the Manchester Tennis and Football Centre at the Etihad Campus, has undergone a remarkable transformation as these exclusive pictures provided by the NHS shows.
It’s one of seven vaccination centres being launched in England this week.
Initially it will be open to people over 80 and healthcare staff by appointment only.
Manchester’s director of public health David Regan hailed the opening of the centre as a source of ‘hope’.
He said: “I think people recognise and are right behind wanting to see as many people as possible get vaccinated at this centre.
“To see a facility such as this set up to respond to a pandemic really makes me incredibly proud and actually quite emotional because I think at last this gives us the hope.
“The last year has been tough for us all and actually this really does give us hope.
“And the way it’s been set up, the speed it’s been set up, I just want to thank everyone involved.”
Jacqui Burrow, programme director for the Greater Manchester Vaccination Centre: “When I arrived here it was just three tennis courts and it was like ‘Oh, Ok, we can do this’.
“The way we get out of this awful situation we’re currently in is to work together. Hopefully that will enable to deliver this vaccine in a really quick roll-out fashion.
“And then we can have a bit more of a life and a bit more normality.”
Health and care workers within a 45-minute drive of the centre will also be offered jabs. The site will be operated by the NHS with support from Manchester city council, Manchester City, the Military of Defence, volunteers from St John’s Ambulance and the Royal Voluntary Service. The Northern Care Alliance – a local NHS organisation in charge of Salford Royal – will be leading the service.
To see a facility such as this set up to respond to a pandemic really makes me incredibly proud
Dave Regan