The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS - has today (27 January) urged the Welsh Government to recognise that the Welsh vaccination programme “requires an urgent course correction”, following increasing anxiety and confusion from residents across the constituency.
The Welsh Conservative Plan, laid before the Senedd in today’s debate, called on the Welsh Government to implement a five-point plan to guarantee the success of the vaccination programme. This includes:
- appointing a Welsh Government vaccines minister;
- cutting red tape to enable pharmacies and retired or former health professionals to administer the vaccines;
- setting clear targets and publishing detailed daily information to ensure the vaccination programme is on track in all parts of Wales;
- mobilising a 'volunteer army' to support the Welsh NHS in the delivery of the vaccination programme; and
- introducing 24/7 vaccinations at centres across the country.
Commenting following her contribution to the debate, Janet said:
“Despite the Welsh Government receiving over 327,000 doses of both the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines so far, as of yesterday only 312,305 had been used. When local octogenarians are still waiting to receive the jab, it is entirely unjustifiable that almost 15,000 doses have not then been issued.
“The Welsh Government is failing to reach residents quick enough, and have nowhere to hide. Given that our the Conwy County Borough has the highest percentage of older people aged over 65, it truly astounds me that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board region has seen the lowest percentage in Wales vaccinated.
“My office is being bombarded with calls and correspondence from concerned older residents, with one email on Tuesday even referring to a constituent aged 100 who was still patiently waiting for their invitation to inoculation. What has happened to the priority group structure?
“My constituents are fearful for their lives, upset, and suffering serious anxiety. They need to see urgent change. This is why my fellow Welsh Conservatives and I have put forward a new plan to correct the roll-out programme – one that recognises that a sprint is needed to safeguard lives.
“With targets missed, Venue Cymru still not operating seven days a week, and the date for the Glastir Vaccination Centre still pending, it is plain that the Welsh vaccination programme requires an urgent course correction. This plan offers the opportunity to restore confidence in its delivery.”
ENDS
Photo: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
