Cathedral not deemed a suitable Covid vaccine venue – but theatre open to assisting NHS effort

Chichester Cathedral has not been considered as a Covid-19 vaccination hub, a spokesman has confirmed.

Several Observer readers have written in to enquire why jabs could not be carried out at the cathedral, following the news that several others around the country – including Salisbury, Lichfield and Blackburn Cathedral – were being used for this purpose.

A cathedral spokesman said they had been in touch with the NHS directly but were told there were ‘a number of reasons’ why it could not be considered.

“All hubs would need adequate handwashing and toilet facilities, parking, be easily cleanable and have the capacity and ability to store fragile vaccines,” the spokesman said.

“It would need to be closed to all other activities (which is likely to last several months).”

Chichester Festival Theatre said it had ‘informally approached’ Chichester District Council about the possibility of becoming a vaccination centre.

Kathy Bourne, executive director, said: “We are always keen to support our community in any practical way and would be happy to offer our facilities as a vaccination centre while the theatre is closed (probably for the next two or three months).”

However, the University of Chichester, which was also suggested by residents as a possible site, said it is not suitable.

A spokesman said: “We don’t have enough room on campus to provide vaccination sites.

“Students aren’t yet a priority. For the students at risk, we are in conversation with the hospital.”

The Sussex Covid-19 Vaccination Programme said it is aware of the feedback and ‘strength of feeling’ about the location of vaccine services in Chichester.

A spokesperson said: “The way in which GP vaccination services are delivered has been agreed at a national level and each area is typically allocated one GP-led vaccination site. Working with local GPs, we explored where we could best offer the vaccine to people in the Chichester district.

“Many sites in the city centre were considered, such as council buildings and the cathedral.

“However, vaccination sites need to meet a strict set of national criteria that include adequate parking, infection control standards, IT requirements and can commit to accommodating large numbers of people (300+) every day of the week with sole use as a vaccination centre until the autumn.

“As a result, many sites, some of which were more centrally located, were not suitable. However, as the vaccination programme continues to evolve - with new vaccines becoming available and new vaccination centres and pharmacy-led sites ready to go live in Sussex in the coming weeks – we are continuing to consider what other options may be available in Chichester.”