Council Leader Bigmore Advises Residents About Vaccination Programmes

Published on: 15 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 19 Jan, 2021

The increased challenges of the latest pandemic lockdown restrictions have been addressed in a statement by council leader Joss Bigmore (R4GV, Christchurch).

He said: “Thank you all for continuing to play your part in following the government guidance this lockdown. Surrey has one of the highest infection rates in the country since the new strain of the virus emerged.

“We know it is difficult and we understand how challenging it is but we must work together, so please stay home. We have hope in the vaccine and I know many residents have questions about the vaccination programme.

“We have liaised with our colleagues from Surrey Heartlands Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Surrey County Council and I hope the following information is helpful.

“The NHS will get in touch with you when they have vaccines available. Please don’t call your GP surgery to enquire about vaccines as this may block their phonelines and prevent patients who are ill getting in touch with their doctors.

“The NHS is working as quickly as possible to vaccinate everyone who is a priority. If you have not been contacted yet, you will be very soon. Please attend your booked appointment and wear a face-covering. It is important you do not arrive too early for your appointment to help maintain social distancing.“Details of where you can park near your vaccination centre will be included on your letter or message from the NHS.

“As a member of the British Parking Association (BPA) we are supporting the NHS by providing parking spaces for their staff and patients at G Live. [XREF]

“The spaces provided and the vaccination programme are managed by the NHS. Critical key workers can park free in council car parks while on related duties through the government’s free council car parking scheme.

“Passes need to be clearly displayed and are available through NHS trusts, local authorities and the Royal Voluntary Service. (More information on health, care and volunteer workers parking passes and concessions can be found here.)

“Due to staff being redeployed to help with the vaccination programme and deliver food parcels, we are unable to provide parking assistance for smaller vaccination sites across the town.

“We are following government and BPA guidance and parking services are operating as normal. If for any reason a resident receives a penalty charge when visiting a vaccination centre, they should get in touch and show us the letter from the NHS. The charge will be cancelled if they have parked considerately, safely and responsibly.

“The barrier on High Street has been opened until further notice to help with access during the vaccination programme, the Superdrug store being one of the main vaccination centres in Guildford (again NHS will contact directly for appointments). But waiting restriction zones will still apply.”

More information and advice on the vaccine can be found here.

Cllr Bigmore concluded by asking everyone to use only trusted sources for updated guidance.

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