Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said today that she is continuing to work with the NHS, local authorities and Ministers to ensure that vulnerable people receive their Covid vaccinations on time. She has welcomed the news that all care homes for the elderly in the borough of Barnet have been offered jabs and received visits for delivery of first doses.
The Government is aiming to vaccinate the top four priority groups - care home residents, over 70s, health and care workers, and the clinically extremely vulnerable - by 15th February. This cohort of people make up 88% of Covid hospital admissions.
The local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), North Central London, which covers Barnet, has told Theresa that its vaccination programme is on track. The NCL CCG and Barnet Council have confirmed to Theresa that all elderly care homes In Barnet have now received a visit for the first dose of the vaccination.
She has also been briefed by the chief executive of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Barnet Hospital, and the London Resilience Forum which brings together the NHS, Public Health England, the Mayor’s office and the boroughs.
Theresa has been taking part in virtual meetings with the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and the Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi to pose questions and relay concerns.
“I am in constant touch with a range of people and authorities to gauge how the vaccination programme is going in Barnet and nationally,” said Theresa.
“I have been told we are on schedule to achieve the Government’s target and it is a relief to know that all elderly residents care homes, and their carers have been offered jabs.
“The UK is doing really well with its vaccination programme to date and this is absolutely vital if we are to end lockdown and reopen schools, shops and hospitality.
“I would like to thank everyone who is doing such a wonderful job delivering these vaccines in Barnet and across London and the country.”
Theresa has asked a number of questions in Parliament about vaccinations, including asking Health Secretary Matt Hancock to speed up delivery of jabs in London. She has also called for a greater involvement by the armed forces in supporting the work of the NHS in getting people vaccinated.
