The opening of a mass vaccination site at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe has been welcomed by North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham as a major boost in the fight against Covid-19.
The facility on Doncaster Road will be open from next week, and plans to offer up to 1,000 vaccinations a day.
People will be contacted by the NHS when they are eligible for a vaccination, and invited to make an appointment.
Cllr Rob Waltham said: “The delivery of the vaccine has been excellent nationally, internationally in fact, we have a world-leading programme and we are at the front of that in North Lincolnshire.
“Every vaccine gives us hope and the advent of the opening of this mass vaccination site will drive the roll-out further and faster.”
He also praised the dozens of volunteers who have come forward to help with the running of the site.
“There’s been a lot of work, and a great deal of partnership working to get this off the ground and it fantastic to see this will be operational in the coming days.
“It wouldn’t be possible without the more than 130 volunteers who will ensure the smooth running of the facility.
“They are a testament to the ‘do one thing’ spirit we have seen across North Lincolnshire during the past year and I would like to thank each and every one of them.
“Each vaccine reduces the risk Covid-19 poses and it gets us closer to a return to normality.”
The vaccination centre will be operated by Safecare Network and will be open between 8am-8pm, seven days a week.
Nicki Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer of Safecare Network, said: “The response from volunteers has been fantastic and this would not be possible without them. We are all keen for patients to have a positive experience.
“Many of the volunteers have helped out at other vaccination centres across North Lincolnshire and have found the experience rewarding and a great way to make a positive contribution during the pandemic.
“The Safecare team has worked amazingly hard behind the scenes and we are really looking forward to vaccinating our population after what has been an incredibly challenging 12 months for us all.”
The North Lincolnshire Alliance Volunteer Hub will continue to recruit volunteers over the next few months. To get involved email alliancevolunteerhub@hwrcc.org.uk
