Children's hospice’s vaccination centre bid

A CHILDREN’S hospice is bidding to help out the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine by becoming a vaccination centre

Naomi House & Jacksplace has submitted its plans to the government outlining the support that the charity could provide in a future vaccination programme.

The charity, which provides care for children and young adults with life limiting illnesses, employs around 180 staff and believes it could provide as many as 240 vaccinations a day, which would be carried out across multiple clinics.

Chief executive at the hospice in Winchester, Mark Smith said: ‘This charity was built by the community for the community and we remain mindful that where we can, we should try to give something back.

‘We have the facilities, the staff and the skills to deliver a vaccine to many thousands of people, and I know our care team would welcome the opportunity once again to play an important role in supporting the NHS and the wider public through this unique challenge.’

The charity previously took in and cared for hospital patients during the first wave of Covid-19.

It has submitted its proposals through the national charity, Hospice UK, who have provided a vital link between hospices and the Department of Health and Social Care throughout the pandemic.

The charity has continued to offer emergency and end of life care throughout the year, while providing remote services such as sibling support and bereavement counselling.