Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed progress in Covid-19 vaccination rollout in Wealden, with more sites operating from this week.
Following the vaccine rollout at the Meads Medical Centre in Uckfield, the Saxonbury House Medical Centre in Crowborough is now also offering vaccines for patients at Ashdown Forest Health Centre, Beacon Surgery, Wadhurst Medical Group, Groombridge and Hartfield Medical Group, Rotherfield Surgery, Saxonbury House Surgery, and Woodhill Surgery.
GPs from the three surgeries in Hailsham (Bridgeside Surgery, Hailsham Medical Group, and Quintins Medical centre) are working in partnership with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust to roll out the vaccination in Hailsham. Preparations to launch the vaccination programme for people aged over 80 in Hailsham and the surrounding area are further progressing this week with the aim to start vaccinating next week, as soon as vaccine supplies are received.
This week, vaccinations will also take place for patients over the age of 80 from Heathfield surgery, at the GP-led vaccination centre at The Meads Surgery and other GP practice sites in the Greater Wealden Primary Care Network.
NHS, PHE and the Chief Nurse for East Sussex are responsible for vaccination sites. The NHS have said that some sites have been easier to prepare, whilst others need more work to ensure that the jab can be offered safely, in line with national guidance.
Before more sites become available, some Wealden residents may be called to the hospital hubs in Eastbourne, Brighton or East Grinstead and therefore travel further than others to get their vaccination. If you are concerned about your travel arrangements, you can find information about community and non-emergency transport on the East Sussex County Council website or call the community hub on 01273 099956.
The NHS announced that jabs will also be delivered at high street pharmacies as the vaccination programme accelerates. In Sussex, the first community pharmacy vaccination services are due to start operating over the next fortnight as more vaccine supplies become available.
For all local enquiries regarding the vaccine, please email sxccg.vaccineenquiries@nhs.net.
Nus Ghani said: “I am pleased that Covid vaccinations are now underway in Wealden. Plans for further vaccination sites are being finalised and more sites are gradually becoming available. It is important not to call your GP practice to find out more about the vaccination programme or to make an appointment. No one will be forgotten, and all eligible patients will be contacted directly by the NHS for vaccinations when it is their turn. I will continue working with the Department of Health and our local authorities to ensure that everyone in Wealden can access the vaccine easily and as soon as possible.”
