Greg Smith MP update on Covid-19 vaccine roll out for Buckingham:
This morning I hosted virtual meetings with leadership teams from both the Swan Practice and Unity Health.
The Swan Practice now has an approved site for delivering vaccinations at Buckingham Community Centre, alongside the existing GP led centres in Princes Risborough and Winslow.
The Swan Practice are expecting a significant delivery of both Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines within the next week and will be able to begin deployment of those vaccinations within hours of receipt. I have followed up twice with the Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment - Nadhim Zahawi MP - today to stress the importance of these deliveries being met. He has assured me that he has escalated the importance of this within the supply chain.
Having spoken with our local clinicians I am confident that the challenge set by the Prime Minister of administering 12 million doses by mid-February to the most vulnerable (the top four priority groups) remains achievable and realistic.
I really do understand that for those most vulnerable to Covid-19 there is a natural anxiety about wanting to know exactly when their jabs will be given. I totally get that. I continue to place intense pressure on the supply chains to ensure vaccines are delivered: and everything I hear leads me to have confidence it is coming for those parts of the constituency where vaccinations have not yet begun.
Can I please ask, however, that everyone follows the advice set by the NHS. Please do not call your surgery asking for a vaccination or for details of when you will be offered an appointment. They have assured me they have a comprehensive system in place for contacting you when it is your time to be vaccinated, and that time is very soon. Every additional call takes a staff member away from important duties in supporting this crucial roll out.
I am so proud of the strength of our local community coming together to fight this pandemic. Our healthcare professionals are all going above and beyond to get this roll out delivered on top of the usual high pressure demands on their day to day jobs. Likewise we have seen an incredible volunteer effort come forward and many former health professionals coming out of retirement to support. I thank all involved for their help in making this happen.
I am also liaising with Nadhim Zahawi MP on several other matters raised by our local GP’s. I will continue to ensure local issues are heard at the heart of Government, to ensure Buckingham constituency receives the resources it needs for vaccination and all our other healthcare needs.
