A NEW coronavirus vaccination centre will open at Alderley Park next week.

The new centre – along with another new site at Chester Racecourse – will complement the existing GP-led vaccination centres, hospital hubs and pharmacy-led sites.

It means residents will have another location for somewhere to get vaccinated if it is convenient for them.

If not, people can instead wait to be vaccinated at their local GP-led vaccination centre.

John Wilbraham, chief executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as continuing to be there for everyone who needs care.

"We are pleased to be involved with our partners in the Alderley Park Conference Centre vaccination centre.”

Alderley Park is already playing a key role in the battle against Covid-19 through the Lighthouse Lab testing facility, which was opened last spring.

All vaccination centres are staffed by clinicians, trained vaccinators, administrative staff and a range of volunteers who help make each visit run as smoothly and safely as possible.

It is hoped both the Alderley Park and Chester Racecourse sites will help to speed up the vaccination programme – which is already on track to meet its targets in Cheshire.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, Cheshire East Council leader, said: “I am delighted that this facility is available, giving local residents the option to use this as an alternative to GP-led vaccination hubs and local hospitals.

"The NHS are doing a commendable job, in extremely challenging times, ensuring everyone gets protection from this deadly virus.

“I thank all staff involved for their incredible hard work and I’d like to thank the residents of Cheshire East for their patience in waiting their turn for a jab and for continuing to do the right thing by keeping good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering where appropriate and for keeping a two-metre distance from others.”

People aged 70 and above who haven’t had their first Covid-19 vaccination can book an appointment now at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination – where they can choose a time slot and location that suits them.

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People who are eligible, but without online access, can call 119 to book a jab free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.

People are also able to book appointments on behalf of people they care for if they are unable to do it themselves.

Anyone interested in volunteering can visit goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders