GPS warn of ‘inadequate planning’ for vaccine roll-out

GPS have said there is “inadequate planning” for the implementation of a Covid vaccine, despite being told they must decide by tomorrow if their practices will take part in the scheme.

In a letter sent to Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, nearly 2,000 healthcare workers have demanded the Government produces a “f ull plan”, including which services are expected to be “scaled back” so staff can deliver vaccinations.

It comes as the NHS is reportedly drawing up plans to launch around 1,500 vaccination centres, mostly based at GP surgeries.

Coordinated by the campaign group Every Doctor, the healthcare workers’ letter alleges the Government has “critically underestimated” the task of administering vaccines at speed.

In the letter, the Health Secretary is asked which services are to be cut back, and “How can this be done in a manner which keeps our patients safe?”

Dr Siema Iqbal, a GP in Manchester and Everydoctor advisory team member, said: “Doctors believe that a rapid vaccination programme is not only possible but essential. But they are clear, it will require adequate planning, resources and coordination from the Department of Health.

“The impact on primary care services if this is not managed well could be catastrophic. The Government has had eight months to prepare for this; we expect much better. ”

The public is being urged to take part in new vaccine trials, with warnings from scientists that the country cannot depend on one type of jab for everyone. Researchers are aiming to recruit around 6,000 participants from Britain into the UK’S third vaccine trial, from the pharmaceutical giant Janssen, which will take a year.