Residents call for city vaccine hub to be set up
Four GP-led Covid vaccine sites – but none in city
Chichesterresidentshavecalled foraCovid-19vaccinationcentre to be set up in the city after learning jabs would initially be delivered elsewhere in the district.
Hundreds of people were booked in to receive their first dose of the vaccine last week, with more than 1,500 in the south of the district set to be vaccinated by the start of this week.
A spokesman for the Sussex Covid-19 vaccination programmeconfirmedfourGPled sites would be used, starting in Selsey and Tangmere.
Vaccines are being delivered in Pulborough and will be available in Midhurst in the coming weeks. But many residentswereconcernedbythe absence of a vaccination site in Chichester city and questioned whynumerouslargevenueshad not been deemed suitable.
The Chichester Alliance of Medical Practices (ChAMP), a group of eight practices which will be delivering the vaccinations, said in a statement: “We realise that the Selsey location is not ideal for all patients but there were few options available that could accommodate the complex arrangements for the delivery of these vaccines; at least at this early stage, the ChAMP GP surgeries are not suitable.”
The spokesman for the vaccination service said while there has been ‘incredible support’ from the community withidentifyingvenues,thetight criteria meant none of these were deemed to be suitable. The spokesman explained sites needed to be able to accommodate large numbers of people – at least 300 a day – and alsorequiredspaceforpeopleto wait and to be monitored for a shorttimeafterwards.Sitesalso need to have internet access, IT and facilities to be able to carry out the vaccination safely and in line with government guidance. The vaccination programme spokesman said: “We recognise some people will have to travel further than others to get their vaccinationdependingonwhere they live in the local area. We have had incredible support from community transport providers and other groups in the Chichester District which can offer transport to people attending one of the GP led vaccination services for their vaccine appointment.”
Thespokesmansaidifanyone needed support with getting to their appointment they should speaktothebookingteamwhen they get in touch.
People will be contacted when it is their turn to get the vaccination and do not need to contact the NHS to book.
The spokesman stressed the location of the GP-led vaccinationservicedidnotaffect thespeedbywhichpeopleliving inthedistrictwouldreceivetheir vaccination, saying it largely dependedonavailabilityandthe priority groups.
St Richard’s Hospital said its hub is for people over 80 attending a planned appointment and frontline health and care staff.
Concessionary bus pass holders can now travel free in West Sussex before 9.30am to help pensioners and vulnerable people get to their Covid-19 vaccination appointments, .
The temporary relaxation of the rules aims to help concessionary bus pass holders travel to earlymorning vaccination appointments. It began on Monday.
The relaxation will continue until schools fully reopen. More information about the county council’s bus pass is available on its website – visit www.westsussex.gov.uk