MP reveals Chesterfield Covid-19 vaccination sites- but concerns have been raised already

The government target is that people over the age of 70, as well as the clinically vulnerable, should be vaccinated by February 15- equating to around 240,000 people in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield’s MP Toby Perkins has revealed that appointments will be booked by GP surgeries and residents will be asked to attend either the Winding Wheel or Walton Hospital for vaccinations.

These centres will be operational from Wednesday, January 13- but concerns have already been escalated.

Mr Perkins, who recently recovered from the virus, said: “I had discussions with the CCG and DCHS around parking and access at Winding Wheel as much of the cohort is elderly and will have limited ability to walk.

"It is expected that most of the over 80 or frail population will be directed towards Walton Hospital, but I have ensured that health bosses are speaking with police about ensuring drop off access is available outside the Winding Wheel and will report back on that one.

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"With regard to other sites, the Government have set strict criteria and public transport access was one of the reasons why Winding Wheel was preferred to Chesterfield FC or other sites that to my mind had better parking.

“I am continuing to push for a site in Staveley to be available and will update as soon as I hear more.

“It is clearly a very bureaucratic process with NHS England controlling much of it and moving sites or setting up new ones is not easy for local health bosses to achieve.”

The MP has also entered discussions regarding concerns surrounding shortages in supply of the vaccine.

He added: “I am assured that Derbyshire is not, unlike some suggestions, currently ‘behind’ the majority of areas and indeed when it comes to care home residents, Derbyshire is ahead of the average.

“However there are still the vast majority of the priority one cohort that haven’t been vaccinated yet and there are serious shortages of supply of the vaccine.

"There are considerable reservations about the numbers coming through and I will be urgently contacting the Minister for Covid-19 vaccine deployment to seek reassurance that the numbers of vaccines available will increase to allow the government’s targets to be realistic.”

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.