Having raised concerns with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board regarding the size of queues experienced outside vaccination centres in the constituency, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy - Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has encouraged residents to refrain from turning up to the centres early to help prevent unnecessary lines outside.
As well as early attendance, the Health Board has underlined that recent staff absence and the presence of carers can create additional pressures generating lines. In terms of the staffing issue highlighted, the Chief Executive confirms that her officials are working to recruit and train additional vaccinators but “have to be mindful of the impact on the Health Board’s other services.”
Mrs Finch-Saunders has also asked the Health Board to review what further steps could be implemented to safeguard attendees against the cold and wintery weather. In their reply, the Health Board’s Chief Executive, Jo Whitehead PSM, stated:
“When weather is particularly inclement, our vaccination centre staff are instructed to carry out dynamic risk assessments and may reduce the social distancing measures from 2m to 1.5 metres separation to allow people into the venue more quickly if they judge that to be appropriate.”
Commenting on her intervention, Janet said:
“Our brilliant Coronavirus responders are a true testament to their profession, and once again highlight why our National Health Service, our care providers and our armed forces will forever remain the pride of Aberconwy, Wales and the United Kingdom.
“However, given the recent wintery weather, I have been concerned by the number of reports about extended waiting periods for patients outside of vaccination venues. Indeed, only last week I have received reports that a patient turned up at the Llandudno vaccination centre approximately three minutes early before experiencing a wait outside for over half an hour.
“With the demographic of the Aberconwy constituency skewing older and with many of those attending the centre having an underlying condition, I welcome the news that the Health Board are looking to recruit additional vaccinators and are assessing their risk assessment so people may gain entry more quickly.
“Whilst early attendance is usually a sign of polite manners, with the pressures on the vaccination centres now plain to see, I would encourage all residents to instead look to turn up on time for their appointment so as to reduce any waiting period outside.”
A copy of the letter received can be found enclosed.
ENDS
Photo: by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
