Free Online at www.coastalviewandmoornews.co.uk The Community Newspaper for the Towns and Villages of East Cleveland, Redcar & North York Moors, telling the real news and views of the people of our region Coastal View & Moor News Issue 118 April 2021
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Community leaders urge residents to get Covid vaccination
ith a new mass vaccination centre housing the capacity to administer up to 1,000 jabs a day now within reasonable travelling distance, local leaders are urging everyone who can to get involved. For several weeks, residents across East Cleveland eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination had been directed to different parts of the region, even the country. Cumbria and Northumberland were among destinations suggested for residents, while slightly closer to hand but largely impractical, Knaresborough and York were also options. Gradually vaccinations became available at a local level, in GPs and chemists, centres in Loftus and Skinningrove opened as the roll-out gathered pace. Now Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium is host to an NHS facility which opened its doors on Monday March 22 when five ex-players within the correct age bracket received their first jabs. Residents across East Cleveland are being urged to follow suit. Councillor Steve Kay, Redcar & Cleveland’s Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare and ward councillor for Lockwood, welcomed the opening, saying: “It was chosen with local partners for its accessible location and transport links and has capacity to vaccinate up to 1,000 patients a day, running 12 hours a day, seven days a week, adding even more capacity to help the NHS vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. “Large vaccination centres offer an alternative to local GP vaccination services. But, people may wish to wait a little while until they receive an invitation from their own GP practice, as
this is likely to be closer to home and may be more convenient, depending on individual circumstances. “Residents will be contacted when it’s their turn to book their vaccination and should be given an option of where to attend. If they are unable, or find it difficult, to travel to the Riverside Stadium, they should receive an alternative location, or they can wait to be contacted by their GP surgery. “We would always encourage people to take up the offer of a vaccine as soon as they are invited. But, there are some residents, especially those without transport, living in rural areas, who may struggle to get to the Riverside Stadium for an appointment. “It’s important to reassure the public that
staying local may mean you have to wait a little longer. But, doesn’t mean you won’t get your jab. “We all owe a big vote of thanks to Middlesbrough Football Club for providing the Riverside facility. Up the Boro!” Words which are echoed by local councillors, business community, residents and the Church alike. Father Adam Gaunt is a familiar figure in many parishes and he’s very enthusiastic about the new facility, saying: “When it’s my turn I will be vaccinated. I’m looking forward to receiving it, it’s another small step to normality, or what normality will look like, as I believe it will be different to that which we were used to.
“How good is it to see the Riverside being used? It’s an example of how the club and Foundation are once again helping communities. I firmly believe they will be part of a new normal. Both are uniquely placed to help rebuild Teesside. The Foundation’s priorities around social inclusion will be needed and demonstrated like never before. “It’s wonderful to see a lot of British science at the front of these vaccines too. Here in East Cleveland the coming together of communities has been great, the support for each other has been there for all to see. I believe the more people who are vaccinated the better this will become; new friendships will be formed and a realisation that what we have done for each other throughout the last 12 months can and will have a lasting effect.” Brotton resident Margaret Whitehead is equally effusive: “I know there are some which might be a bit closer, but the Riverside is very accessible. It’s more airy, more spacious. For some people the more space you have the better. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great at GPs, but here you can go somewhere bigger.Personally, I hope it will make more people go and get the vaccination. We all want to live in a better place, a better world and I firmly believe this can help.Not just physically, but mentally. People’s mental health has suffered because of change, uncertainty and worry about the virus. “My husband and I are in our mid-70s, now maybe it’s a placebo but we felt a whole lot better after having our first vaccination.” The theme of encouragement is consistent wherever you seem to turn. “I know people Continued on page 17 ►►►
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