News

Vaccination centres across Norfolk and Waveney extend their opening hours

by Sarah Turner | Sep 03, 2021

From Monday 6September 2021, all five of the large scale vaccination centres in Norfolk and Waveney will be open from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, with the majority open seven days a week, to ensure as many people as possible can grab a jab.

Mike Passfield, Clinical Operations Director for the Large Scale Vaccination Centres run by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust said: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors of our large scale vaccination centres from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, with the majority open seven days a week, and some sites also open one day a week through to 7.30 pm, so there are even more opportunities for people who have not had their jab yet to do so.

“Everyone aged 16 and over is eligible to be vaccinated. Getting your vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and your family while enabling you to get back to doing the things you love. So please don’t wait – come along to any of our daily walk-in clinics to get your jab.”

Cath Byford, Chief Nurse at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “The vast majority of people in Norfolk and Waveney have taken up the offer of vaccination, with more than 93% of people aged 18 and above having had one vaccine, and 84% having had both doses. This is fantastic progress but we still want those who have not yet had a vaccine to come forward.

“We’re making it as easy as possible for people to get their jab - no appointment is needed - and our friendly vaccination teams will be happy to answer any questions you have. They can also provide extra support if you are nervous or anxious, just speak to a member of the team at any of our vaccination sites and let them know what you need to feel relaxed and comfortable.”

From Monday 6 September 2021, large scale vaccination centres will now open 8.30 am to 4.00 pm at the following venues:

Harleston - Paddock Road Surgery, Paddock Road IP20 9AT

Attleborough - Connaught Hall, Station Rd NR17 2AS (and open 8.30 am to 7.30 pm on Mondays)

King's Lynn - Shakespeare Barn, King's Lynn Arts Centre, King Street PE30 1HA (and open 8.30 am to 7.30 pm on Tuesdays)

Norwich - Castle Quarter, 100 Castle Meadow NR1 3DD (and open 8.30 am to 7.30 pm on Thursdays)

Dereham - Beetley Ward, Dereham Hospital, Northgate NR19 2EX (8.30 am to 4.00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)

For full details of ALL walk in vaccination clinics (no appointment needed) in Norfolk and Waveney visit: apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn/Form/AllAvailableClinics

If you have it, please take with you your NHS number to help the vaccination team book you in quickly (please see here). But don’t worry if you don’t have an NHS number or are not registered with a GP / local doctor, you can still get vaccinated.

You do NOT need to show identification (ID) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and you do not need to give your full name or address. It does not matter whether you are a UK citizen or what your immigration status is, how long you have been here or how long you expect to stay.

Before your vaccination, don't forget to keep hydrated (bring some bottled water with you) and have something to eat before you come!

People can also book their vaccination appointment via https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119

King’s Lynn Covid-19 vaccination centre is on the move

by Sarah Turner | Aug 20, 2021

The Covid-19 vaccination centre at the Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn closes on Friday 20 August and is moving down the road to Shakespeare Barn, St George’s Courtyard, King Street PE30 1EU.

Mike Passfield, Clinical Operations Director for Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s large-scale vaccination centres explained: “As the Corn Exchange opens to the public again, our fantastic vaccination team will continue to deliver jabs to anyone over 16 years of age from the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Council’s premises at Shakespeare Barn, St George’s Courtyard on King Street.

“There will be a short interim period during week commencing Monday 23 August where vaccinations will be delivered from a mobile vaccination bus parked in the Tuesday Market Place car park, whilst installation of equipment and infrastructure is completed in the Barn. No booked appointments are scheduled next week so this will only affect walk-in patients. Anyone with a booked appointment at the Corn Exchange thereafter should attend Shakespeare Barn.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Council and everyone at the Corn Exchange for letting us use their beautiful building whilst it was closed to public events, and for the exceptional support they have provided since our vaccination centre opened on 1 February 2021.”

Cath Byford, Chief Nurse, Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Getting the vaccine is the single most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19.

“Every single vaccination is important and is making a difference. It’s incredibly easy for people to get jabbed now and I’d like to remind everyone that vaccinations are our best chance of getting back to doing the things we enjoy most."

Due to an event in King’s Lynn on Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd August 2021, the King’s Lynn Vaccination Centre will not be open. Anyone with a booked appointment has already been contacted and their appointment was rearranged for the previous weekend.

The Vaccination Centre at Shakespeare Barn will continue to deliver booked appointments, and operate as a walk-in venue with no appointment needed, from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm seven days a week; and on Tuesday evenings from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Parking will continue to be available at the Tuesday Market Place.

If you have it, please take with you your NHS number to help the vaccination team book you in quickly (please see here). But don’t worry if you don’t have an NHS number or are not registered with a GP / local doctor, you can still get vaccinated.

You do NOT need to show identification (ID) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and you do not need to give your full name or address. It does not matter whether you are a UK citizen or what your immigration status is, how long you have been here or how long you expect to stay.

Before your vaccination, don't forget to keep hydrated (bring some bottled water with you) and have something to eat before you come!

People can book their vaccination appointment via https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119

Or access information on a range of vaccination walk-in clinics across Norfolk and Waveney here: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/WalkIn/Form/AllAvailableClinics

Sothius Lodge raises £1,250 for our charity Dreamdrops

by Kirstie Flack | Jul 23, 2021

Mike Nixon, Mark Bramley, Anne-Marie Hamilton and George Cox (23 July 2021) A kind donation of £1,250 was given to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s charity, Dreamdrops, after being nominated by Mark Bramley, as one of his chosen charities of the year.

The cheque was presented by Mark Bramley, Worshipful Master, Sothius Lodge, St Ives, who said: “During my year as Master of Sothius Lodge, Dreamdrops was one of my chosen charities. We raised funds by way of three raffles held after our business meetings and at our annual BBQ.

“We wanted to make a difference and help provide those little extras to children both in hospital and in the community and to help Dreamdrops continue with the wonderful work they do for local children.”

Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of Dreamdrops said: “We are truly grateful to Mark Bramley and the Sothius Lodge for their wonderful donation.

“The money raised will be donated to children being cared for in the local community, Holly Ward and the Paediatrics unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. We cannot thank them enough for their support and this donation will help make a stay in hospital that little bit easier and provide much needed support for children being nursed at home.”

For more information about dreamdrops, or to make a donation, please call, visit or email:

Photo: Left to right: Mike Nixon, Charity Steward, Sothius Lodge, Mark Bramley, Worshipful Master, Sothius Lodge, Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of Dreamdrops and Gordon Cox, Lodge Almoner.

Virtual Board Meeting – 21st July 2021

by Sarah Turner | Jul 16, 2021

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust board meeting on Wednesday 21st July, which was due to take place in public, is being held virtually.

A set of papers for the board meeting has been published on our website here.

There will be an option for members of the public to submit any questions to the board for consideration by emailing ccs.trustsecretary@nhs.net. Please keep questions brief and to the point, and use ‘Trust Board Meeting Question’ in the subject heading of your email.

Responses will either be posted on the Trust’s board meeting webpage following the meeting or can be found in the minutes published in due course.

Cambridge United players join the call for everyone to get vaccinated

by User Not Found | Jul 09, 2021

As Covid-19 infection rates rise across Cambridge, players from Cambridge United get their jabs and urge everyone to get vaccinated now.

Mark Bonner, Head Coach at Cambridge United Football Club said:

“We visited the Grafton vaccination centre today to get the remaining lads from the first squad jabbed, so the whole team has now had their first vaccination and will be going back as soon as they can to get their second doses.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our fans back to the Abbey Stadium when that’s possible, so if you’re 18 or over and haven’t had your vaccination yet, get it booked now, or visit one of the walk-in clinics across the City so we can all get back to normal together.”

United’s captain, Greg Taylor added:

“We all felt pretty invincible when we were promoted to League One at the end of last season, but no-one is safe from Covid-19.

“Young and old alike need to get their vaccination – if someone you care about is nervous, get your jabs together. It’s quick and painless, and it could save your life.”

Watch Jonah Gill and Myles Cowling from Cambridge United Football Club having their first Pfizer jab, along with messages from Greg Taylor, Jack Iredale, Paul Digby, Harrison Dunk and George Williams here: https://vimeo.com/572980007/0dd8bd8663

Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which runs the large scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“We’re delighted that Cambridge United has joined our call for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Given the increase in cases of the Delta variant, it’s vital that people get the best possible protection from Covid-19 with two vaccine doses.”

“Millions of people are now benefiting from protection from the virus and this has contributed to dramatic falls in infections, hospitalisations and deaths across the country. But rates of infection in some areas, including Cambridge, are rising. We need everyone who hasn’t had their first vaccination to get it now, and to follow this up with their second vaccination 8 weeks later.”

How to access your vaccine

Anyone aged 18 and over can book their Covid-19 first and second vaccination via https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119

To access information about all vaccination walk-in clinics cross Cambridgeshire and Peterborough visit: https://www.thevaccinators.co.uk/

Vaccine centres offer new walk-in options for earlier AstraZeneca second doses

by User Not Found | Jun 23, 2021

Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which runs the large scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“People aged 40 and over and those who are clinically vulnerable can now access their second Astra Zeneca vaccination dose at walk-in clinics at seven of our vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“Appointments for people in these priority groups can be brought forward from 12 weeks after their first vaccination, to 8 weeks, ensuring they will have the strongest possible protection at the earliest opportunity.”

Walk-in AstraZeneca clinics are available at the following vaccination centres daily from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm from Thursday 24 June to Sunday 4 July:

City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6DB
Cambridge Suite, Arena and Arts Centre, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE (Sat Nav PE2 6HE)
Unit 30, The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS
Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club, Logan’s Way, Cambridge, CB4 1BL
Oak Tree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon, PE29 7HN
Unit 55, former supermarket, Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech Churchill Road, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AR (if using the car park at the shopping centre use Sat Nav PE13 1AL)
The Eatons Community Centre, The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8ES

From Monday 28 June 2021 to Sunday 4 July, evening walk-in clinics for AstraZeneca will also be available at the following venues between 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm:

Mondays: Horsefair: Shopping Centre, Wisbech
Tuesdays: Peterborough City Care Centre
Tuesdays: The Eatons Community Centre, St Neots
Wednesday: The Grafton Centre, Cambridge
Thursday: The Oaktree Centre, Huntingdon
Thursday: East of England Showground

Commenting on the importance of second doses, Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair and local GP said:

"Millions of people are now benefiting from protection from the virus and this has contributed to dramatic falls in infections, hospitalisations and deaths across the country.

“Vaccines are extremely safe and effective and I’d encourage anyone who is eligible, to drop in to one of our walk-in clinics for their AstraZeneca second dose and join the millions of people who have already had theirs.

“For people who would rather book an appointment, they can do so via the nhs.uk/covid-vaccination website, where people who have an existing appointment at 12 weeks can check availability first, before cancelling and rescheduling their second appointment on an earlier date.”

Covid vaccines are available: book yours now

by Sarah Turner | Jun 15, 2021

Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which runs the large scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “We currently have plentiful supply of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for people who need their second dose, as well as Pfizer vaccines for people booking their first dose.

“Vaccines are extremely safe and effective and I’d encourage anyone who has been invited to book their first or second dose to do so, and join the millions of people who have already had theirs.

“Anyone aged 23 and over can book their vaccination via nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119 and we expect everyone aged 18 and over will be eligible to book an appointment by the end of the week. Levels of infection in young people are rising nationally and we know that Covid can have long term implications, so it’s really important young people do book their first jabs as soon as they are invited. No-one is safe until everyone has had their two doses – it’s our only way out of lockdown.”

Commenting on the importance of second doses, Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair and local GP said: “Millions of people are now benefiting from protection from the virus and this has contributed to dramatic falls in infections, hospitalisations and deaths across the country.

“But it’s important that everyone has two doses and appointments have been brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for people aged 40 and over, and those who are clinically vulnerable.

“This will ensure people have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity, so I strongly urge anyone in these groups who hasn’t booked their second dose yet to do so.”

Anyone aged 23 and over can book their vaccination appointment via nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.

St Neots Covid vaccination centre is on the move

by Sarah Turner | Jun 10, 2021

From Monday 14 June 2021, the St Neots Covid vaccination centre will be moving from the Priory Centre, a mile down the road to the Eatons Community Centre, 18 The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St Neots PE19 8ES.

Dr David Vickers, Medical Director at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which runs the large scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “The Priory Centre has been a fantastic setting for residents of St Neots and the wider area to receive their vaccinations, and we’d like to thank the team at the Centre and St Neots Town Council for their friendly and flexible approach.”

“The Eatons Community Centre is just a mile down the road, and we look forward to welcoming residents with booked appointments to this equally accessible centre from Monday 14 June 2021. People with booked appointments simply need to come along to the new venue at the same time and date they have already booked – there have been no changes to these arrangements.”

The Trust has issued texts and/or emails to people with booked appointments advising of the new venue.

Parking is available at The Eatons Community Centre and people are asked to arrive on time (or wait in their cars until 10 minutes prior to their appointment time) to help maintain social distancing.

Anyone 25 years old or over can now book their Covid-19 vaccination via the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. New dates and times are added regularly so please revisit the site if a convenient location does not immediately appear.

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Baby Friendly team maintains international gold standard through pandemic

by User Not Found | May 18, 2021

Bedfordshire health visitors have maintained their international gold standard throughout the pandemic for their work to promote and support breastfeeding throughout the county.

The Bedfordshire Children’s Community Services team holds the prestigious gold Baby Friendly Award from Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) and the service has been revalidated.

Despite the pandemic bringing significant challenges for the service, the team – part of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust - introduced innovations throughout to provide a Covid-19 safe infant feeding service. As the effects of Covid 19 were felt across the county, health visitors worked to deliver core services while their assistants stepped up to become a point of contact for routine infant support.

“During recent months, a great deal of work has gone into restoring the service, with health visitors now working to a new normal, the infant feeding team back in their usual roles,” said the Unicef report.

“Bedfordshire Community Health Team 0-19 Service is highly commended for the quality of the evidence submitted and the thorough way in which the necessary processes to embed and further develop care related to the Baby Friendly standards has been planned and implemented.

“The managers and infant feeding team are highly commended for all the efforts made.”

Simon Harwin, Director of Luton and Bedfordshire Children’s Services said: “This is an excellent achievement and testament to the resilience of our staff. They have continued to maintain this service for families across Bedfordshire against a backdrop of huge challenge this year.

“Their gold accreditation is richly deserved and I congratulate every one of them for the sheer hard work and dedication they have shown.”

Glenda Hall, 0-19 Team Head of Service said: “I am delighted to receive such positive feedback from Unicef. The pandemic had a real impact on the service and the team has made a huge effort to maintain their much needed support for families. They are to be congratulated.”

Virtual Board Meeting – 20th May 2021

by Sarah Turner | May 14, 2021

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust board meeting on Thursday 20^th May, which was due to take place in public, is being held virtually.

A set of papers for the board meeting has been published on our website here.

There will be an option for members of the public to submit any questions to the board for consideration by emailing ccs.trustsecretary@nhs.net. Please keep questions brief and to the point, and use ‘Trust Board Meeting Question’ in the subject heading of your email.

Responses will either be posted on the Trust’s board meeting webpage following the meeting or can be found in the minutes published in due course.