Having raised concerns with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board regarding the queues experienced outside vaccination centres during wintery weather, 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.
It comes as Janet has received a formal reply from the Health Board making clear that social distancing requirements mean that they “cannot accommodate as many people who are awaiting their appointment indoors” as they would wish. The Health Board say that each venue has a health and safety assessment, with the situation continually monitored.
Commenting on the reply obtained, Janet said:
“With torrid wintery and stormy weather having battered the constituency recently, and temperatures set to drop further, I have received an increasing volume of correspondence from constituents outlining their concerns about prolonged queues outside vaccination centres.
“Having written out to the Health Board on this issue, I welcome confirmation that, in bad weather, staff will look to reduce the social distancing applied within the venue from the usual 2m to 1.5m. This will ensure that more people will be provided with cover during patient waiting periods.
“Should constituents be worried about the temperature inside a vaccination centre, they may also ask staff to close certain windows. Communication is key and I have been assured that our excellent Coronavirus responders are on hand to assist with making the visit to a centre as safe as possible.
“However, whilst early attendance is usually a sign of polite manners, with the pressures on the vaccination centres plain to see, I would encourage residents to instead look to turn up on time for their appointment so as to reduce the initial waiting period outside.
“As the booster roll-out now looks set to ramp up further, I remain steadfast in my offer to support all constituents and stakeholders involved.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Please find attached a copy of the letter received.
Photo: by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash