Having requested a statement from the Welsh Government on the impact of the administration’s Covid-19 restrictions on the older population, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has set about promoting the means through which residents can apply for a paper NHS Covid Pass. It comes following an influx of correspondence concerning the issue.
Yesterday, on receipt of a reply from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board regarding the size of queues experienced outside vaccination centres in the constituency, Janet encouraged residents to “turn up on time” to local vaccination centres, as opposed to turning up early. In their letter of reply, the Health Board underlined that recent staff absence and the presence of carers can create additional pressures generating lines.
Residents can obtain a paper pass by telephoning 0300 303 5667.
Commenting on accessibility concerns, Janet said:
“Recently, in echoing equality concerns that I have repeatedly raised around the implementation of the NHS Covid Pass, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has highlighted that only 40% of over 75s in Wales use the internet, compared to 98% of 16–44-year-olds. This means that accessing the digital pass becomes much harder when they wish to pursue recreational activities.
“Last week, I again raised concerns from residents with the Welsh Government that the number to request a paper pass does not always work. Indeed, my office recently tried three times to connect, only to receive a message stating that the service cannot be connected. This is plainly unacceptable.
“Taken in conjunction with the fact that these calls are typically charged between 2p and 40p per minute, it seems nonsensical that a charge will be imposed on those residents who are going out of their way to abide by the Welsh Government’s regulations.
“Whilst I will continue to press for a statement on the effectiveness and operation of the phone pass ordering system and whether there is a way through which any call charges can be waived, I would encourage residents to get in contact should they encounter any issues.”
Constituents of Aberconwy who experience issues are advised to contact the Member’s office by either emailing [email protected] or telephoning 01492 871198.
ENDS
