Cheshire’s COVID-19 vaccinators receive High Sheriff Award

Staff and volunteers working to vaccinate residents across Cheshire against COVID-19 have received a huge boost for their continued hard work and dedication.

Robert Mee, Her Majesty’s the Queen’s High Sheriff of Cheshire, praised their hard work and dedication during a visit to Cheshire’s vaccination centre at Chester Racecourse.

During his visit, The High Sheriff delivered a thank you speech and presented his award to staff and volunteers to recognise their contribution to communities.

The High Sheriff said: “Over 600 volunteers have been involved at this vaccination centre alone and it is important to recognise this huge achievement. Since the start of the year, their efforts have potentially helped save thousands of lives.

“Time and time again I hear about the warm welcome in the car park and the smiles to put people at ease to guide people through their jabbing journey. All our communities will be forever thankful, and it is my privilege to present a High Sheriff Award to them.”

Suzanne Edwards, Director of Operations at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), greeted The High Sheriff on his arrival at the Racecourse.

She said: “It was a great honour to receive a visit from The High Sheriff of Cheshire and introduce him to the people who are working hard to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history. People from across the NHS, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, St John’s Ambulance and a network of local volunteers have all come together to deliver an incredibly successful programme.

“CWP are very proud of the services that have been delivered, in partnership with clinical staff and volunteers. The positive feedback from local people for the running of the vaccination centre has been fantastic. We are delighted to receive this award which has provided an opportunity for us to reflect on what has been achieved during this time and to recognise the efforts of those behind the scenes who have contributed so much.”

Dr Anushta Sivananthan, CWP Medical Director, added: “Vaccines are safe and effective and will help us overcome the impact of this pandemic. So far 39.1 million people across the country have been vaccinated including over 1 million people in Cheshire and Merseyside. I would like to encourage everyone to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment when they become eligible, ensuring you have two, appropriately spaced doses for maximum protection against COVID-19.”

People aged 36 and above who have not 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.

• CWP is a Foundation Trust that provides health and care services for local people in partnership with other organisations. Our services include mental health and learning disabilities, community physical health and all-age disability care. We have services across Cheshire and Wirral as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Sefton.
• CWP was rated as being 'Outstanding' for caring  by the Care Quality Commission in our most recent inspection and shortlisted for Mental Health Provider of the Year in 2019 at the Health Service Journal Awards.

Pictured - COVID-19 vaccination centre staff and volunteers with The High Sheriff of Cheshire receiving an award in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.