Hampshire children's hospice offers to become NHS vaccine centre
Naomi House has put forward a proposal to help deliver Covid-19 jabs
Last updated 27th Nov 2020
Naomi House and Jacksplace has submitted a plan to the Government to explain how the children's hospice could help to roll out a nationwide coronavirus vaccine programme.
The charity, which ordinarily looks after young people with life-limiting conditions and provides respite for their families across the South, says it's their way of supporting the community that's supported them for more than 20 years.
Keith Wilson from Naomi House says they really want to help:
"We had an opportunity here from the beginning of the pandemic to give something back to the local community, to support them in some way through this unprecedented crisis. So offering ourselves up as a vaccination station just is the right thing to do.
"I really do hope (the NHS) do take us up on the offer and we can once again play a really important part in fighting against Covid-19 and the worst effects of this virus."
Naomi House has been doing what it can to help throughout the pandemic.
During the first lockdown, they took in NHS patients, to free up space in Hampshire hospitals, as well as being a distribution centre for PPE.
Now, they're suggesting they could offer up their expertise and location to help, as Keith Wilson from Naomi House explains:
"We're not too sure if the Government will even accept our proposals but we have a team of highly skilled nurses on hand, able to do all of the processes around vaccinations, we have the facilities and we have the parking."
The charity employs around 180 staff, many of which could adminster a vaccine if the NHS takes them up on the offer.
Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said:
"This charity was built by the community for the community and we remain mindful that where we can, we should try to give something back. We have the facilities, the staff and the skills to deliver a vaccine to many thousands of people, and I know our care team would welcome the opportunity once again to play an important role in supporting the NHS and the wider public through this unique challenge."
The charity's put forward its plan through national umbrella charity, Hospice UK, who have provided a vital link between hospices and the Department of Health throughout the pandemic.