Cheshire East vaccination centre launches

A 67-year-old man from Wilmslow has become the first person to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at a new vaccination centre in Cheshire.

David Roberts received the vaccination at Alderley Park Conference Centre in Macclesfield this morning [Wednesday 17 February] and described the process as “easy and comfortable”. 

He said: “I wanted to have the vaccine as soon as possible and so booked once it opened up to those over the age of 65. 

“I think it’s important that everyone gets the vaccine so that we can all protect ourselves and those around us.” 

The Alderley Park vaccination centre will be open seven days a week and be able to vaccinate more than 500 people every day initially. It will have the potential to vaccinate around 1,500 people every day, however, as the programme develops. 

Alderley Park is the latest vaccination centre launch in Cheshire and follows the opening of the Chester Racecourse site earlier this week. 

The two new centres will complement the existing GP-led vaccination services, hospital hubs and pharmacy-led vaccination services across Cheshire and offer an additional option for people to get vaccinated – if it is convenient for them. If not, people can instead wait to be vaccinated at their local GP-led vaccination centre. 

Denise Frodsham, Director or Cheshire East Integrated Care Partnership and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which has supported the launch of the Alderley Park site, said:

“Health and social care partners across Cheshire have worked together to ensure the smooth and successful launch of this latest vaccination centre, which is another positive step forward in the fight against Coronavirus. 

“We would like to say a big thank you to the clinicians, vaccinators and administration staff for making the launch a success – we have been fully booked for day one and are looking forward to protecting more and more members of the local community as the vaccination programme expands. 

“We would also like to thank the dozens of volunteers who have given up their time to support the smooth and safe running of the centre.” 

John Wilbraham, Chief Executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust, which is operating the Alderley Park vaccination centre, added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as continuing to be there for everyone who needs care. We are pleased to be involved with our partners in the Alderley Park Conference Centre vaccination centre.” 

People aged 65 and above who haven’t had their Covid-19 vaccination can book an appointment now via www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination, where they can choose a time slot and location that suits them. 

The national booking system is also available for frontline health workers, frontline social care workers, and anyone who has previously received a letter saying they are at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable). 

Those who are eligible, but without online access, call 119 to book a jab free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. People are also able to book appointments on behalf of people they care for if they are unable to do it themselves. 

Pictured - First patient David Roberts with Dr Fares Ftaieh, junior doctor at East Cheshire NHS Trust.