Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is today administering the Covid-19 vaccine to its vaccinators ahead of a Trust-wide rollout next week.
The Trust’s vaccination programme begins on Monday 11 January, with appointments already booked in for some of the organisation’s most vulnerable staff.
The programme is the culmination of several weeks of detailed planning, designed to ensure the programme does not have an impact on other essential services and that all those who wish to receive the vaccine will be able to.
Today, CNTW has vaccinated 100 vaccinators, who will be administering the vaccine to staff and patients over the coming weeks and months.
Vaccinations will be taking place at St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth, with plans to extend to other sites within the Trust in due course.
John Lawlor OBE, chief executive at CNTW, has thanked those involved in the implementation of the programme. “This is an important moment in our collective fight against Covid-19 and I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve in such a challenging time.
“While the vaccine is, of course, welcome news, it’s important to remember that the virus is still out there. We urge everyone to ensure they are still following the guidance; wash your hands, wear a mask or face covering, and keep your distance.”
Justine Brennan-Tovey, one of the Trust’s vaccinators, said: “When I knew the Trust were looking for vaccinators, I knew I wanted to help. I feel it’s my duty to help and protect others so we are in with a chance of beating the virus.”
CNTW staff have been asked to complete an expressions of interest form, which has formed a database for those who may be able to come on site and get their vaccine at short notice.
John Lawlor continued: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients will always remain at the heart of what we do. Some of our patients are the most vulnerable in society and we have a duty to protect them.
“We know there has been a lot of excitement around the vaccine and we ask our staff to be patient. We will contact you to arrange your appointment. I have every confidence in our programme and hope it will be the start of us getting back to some form of normality.”
Meanwhile, thousands of people are being vaccinated across the region by primary care networks. NHS teams have been working hard to deliver the Pfizer vaccine in hundreds of hospital hubs, local GP-led services and care homes.
Staff from CNTW’s Cumbria output are receiving vaccinations from North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) to allow less travel time and make the process as easy as possible for staff.
In addition, plans are also being put in to place to commence the vaccinations of patients within the Trust.
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services in the North East and north Cumbria.
Videos of the vaccinators:
Chloe – https://youtu.be/7qXGuHtKy0A
Kristy – https://youtu.be/fbDsRlV2fm4
Justine – https://youtu.be/McL4Gz6JG7k