Chesterfield Hospital urge patients not to contact them about Covid-19 vaccines as 'mammoth task' lies ahead

Patients have been told not to contact Chesterfield Royal Hospital about Covid-19 vaccinations appointments, as they warned a ‘mammoth task’ lies ahead following the delivery of jabs.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

People over 80 have been told they will be contacted soon by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust about receiving the jab – after the trust was selected as one of the country’s 50 ‘vaccination hubs’.

The trust confirmed that they expect the Pfizer/BioNTech jab to be delivered today to enable the hospital to start administering the jab to high-priority members of the public – such as care home staff, people aged 80-years-old and over and NHS staff from tomorrow (Tuesday, December 8).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chesterfield Royal have encouraged people to avoid ringing or messaging them with questions or appointment requests for the vaccine as they will be unable to respond directly.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital.Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The trust said: “This morning (Sunday, December 6th 2020) NHS England confirmed the 50 hospitals set to become the first ‘vaccination hubs’ that will issue the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Chesterfield Royal Hospital is included in that list - and we are really pleased to be involved right at the start of the biggest immunisation programme in history - appreciating the mammoth task we have ahead of us in the next few days.

“Criteria, priorities and the logistics for the programme are still under discussion at a national level, but patients aged 80 and above (who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay) will be among the first to receive the life-saving jab, as well as care home workers and NHS workers who are considered higher risk.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is a double dose vaccine so we need to make sure that all those vaccinated in this preliminary phase can return for a booster jab 21 days later.

“We expect vaccine deliveries will be landing at hospitals by Monday in readiness.

"Please don’t ring or message us about vaccine appointments though as we won’t be able to respond direct. If you’re eligible in this preliminary phase you’ll be contacted with details.

"We hope however that you welcome the fact that we’re involved in this next step in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A total of 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab has been ordered to vaccinate 20 million across the UK – due to patients needing two doses of the jab to achieve immunity.

Initially, around 400,000 people will be vaccinated in the first stages as 800,000 vaccines are set to arrive in hospitals today.

The number patients with Covid-19 at Chesterfield Royal has reduced according to Chesterfield Royal.

“In the meantime we thank everyone for their support and for following lockdown and tier restriction measures.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Patient numbers have reduced over the last week and we are currently looking after around 30 patients with Coronavirus, ten of whom are in critical care.

"By washing hands, wearing a face mask and maintaining social distancing we are all helping to reduce the risk of infection spread.

"This is incredibly important as we head towards Christmas and the lifting of social restrictions for a few days.

"We urge everyone to remain vigilant to help us to cope with COVID-19, usual winter pressures and service restoration including routine surgeries.

"Your support and help remains vital."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.