Rochdale residents speaking positively to Healthwatch Rochdale about the local Covid 19 vaccination programme.

Since January 1^st 2021, 27% of the total feedback received by Healthwatch Rochdale about local health and care services has been regarding the local COVID-19 vaccination programme, with 72% of this feedback being positive.

What has worked well?

Local people have told us that they felt receiving their vaccination was well organised and professional, with staff being friendly and helpful. Patients said they were made to feel safe, with separate entrance and exits in place, hand sanitiser and face masks being available, and staff explaining about the vaccine and any possible side effects.

Since the start of the pandemic Healthwatch Rochdale have been speaking to local people about their experience of COVID 19 and published a report in October 2020 detailing what people told us and recommendations for improvement. Healthwatch Rochdale have also worked with local partners to provide COVID-19 information videos in translated languages on the #TogetherRochdale page, as well as providing information and advice on their Coronavirus information page.

Kate Jones, Healthwatch Rochdale Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Over the last year a large part of our work has been speaking to local people about their experiences of COVID-19 and providing information and advice. It has been great to hear that the majority of local people are speaking positively about receiving their vaccination and reflects the hard work of our partners to make this a positive experience. We want more people to share their experience with us so that providers can learn what went well and if things can be improved”.

Andrea Fallon, the council’s director of public health, said:

“It’s great to see so many residents across the borough taking up the invite to have a vaccine. We are making really good progress through the main cohorts, thanks a superb team effort across the health partnership. I would like to thank the GPs, the nurses and our army of volunteers who have all played their part. There’s still a lot of work to do so I would urge anyone over the age of 70, who hasn’t yet been invited for an appointment, to get in touch and you will be booked in for a vaccine as quickly as possible.”

Councillor Daalat Ali, the council’s cabinet member for public health, said:

“The response has been really positive, with an excellent take up of the vaccine across the borough. We are making good progress and working hard to ensure nobody in the priority groups is missed. Residents aged 70 and above can now get in touch directly and book an appointment at a local vaccine centre, if they have yet to receive their first covid-19 vaccination. They can do this by calling 0300 3030355 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm) or emailing hmrccg.hmr.enquiries@nhs.net. I would encourage everyone to take up the vaccine when it’s their turn, to protect themselves, their friends, family and the community.”