The Forres Covid-19 vaccine clinic will not be moving to the Town Hall on Monday (22 February) as previously stated, according to NHS Grampian.
Following an announcement by the health board on 16 February that the clinic will move to larger premises, vaccinations have now been suspended from Monday and they will restart on Wednesday 24 February in the Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre at Elgin Retail Park. for people aged 16–64 with underlying health conditions. This is necessary to react to ‘issues outwith their control’ say the NHS, and they are encouaging people with appointments on or after 22 February to contact them.
A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: “With the national slow-down in vaccine supply, efforts are being concentrated on one centre, to ensure the programme runs as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Public concern
“This is absolutely no reflection on the support we have had from our community venues. They have done absolutely everything we have asked of them and they have been vital in the success of the programme to date. It may be concerning for the public to see such rapid changes in where the vaccination programme is delivered.
“We are reacting to issues outwith our control as quickly as we can, to ensure the programme remains on track. We would not have been able to do this without the backing of our community transport partners, such as Dial-a-Bus, or the efforts of Stagecoach in changing their timetables to make travel to the Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre as straightforward as possible.
“We are in the process of rearranging the small number of appointments already scheduled for the community venues and will be in direct contact with people. Anyone who has not heard from us – and has an appointment in Buckie, Keith, Forres, or Dufftown on or after 22 February – should contact the national booking line on 0800 030 8013.”
Travelling to a centre
Attending a vaccine appointment is classified as essential travel. Car-sharing is permitted; remember to wash your hands before and after, keep your distance, wear a facemask and keep the car windows open. Anyone struggling to work out how to get to their appointment should call THInC on 01467 536111 or email travel@thinc-hub.org for advice – they are open from 9am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Care home visits
Meanwhile, routine indoor visiting of care home residents by relatives, friends and carers will be able to resume from early March with care providers supporting residents to have up to two designated visitors each and one visit a week for each visitor.
More information: https://www.gov.scot/news/care-home-visits-to-resume/?fbclid=IwAR3HCm7iTZBORuAhX_3UNMs5H-8nZsUZ9vCC4wu0jTxV61XrTs-n7bIdtH4
There is no transparency in such an important decision which affects the public in such a personal way and ignores the requirements and capabilities of Moray’s major communities.
Putting Dial a bus and Stagecoach as the saviour’s of such a huge inconvenience to so many people is an insult to the infrastructure of these Communities both in personnel and suitable locations.