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  • Large scale Covid-19 vaccination centres launch in Huntingdon and Wisbech, accelerating the delivery of life-saving jab

    by Sarah Turner | Feb 01, 2021

    The NHS launches two large scale Covid-19 vaccination centres in Huntingdon and Wisbech this week as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.  The centres will be located at:

    • The Oak Tree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon PE29 7HN from Monday 1 February 2021
    • Unit 55 (former supermarket), Horsefair Shopping Centre, Churchill Road, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AR from Friday 5 February 2021

    The centres provide an additional option to the large scale vaccination centre in the Grafton Shopping Centre Cambridge and the vaccination hubs already successfully delivering vaccinations in local hospitals and by GPs across the county.

    Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which is co-ordinating delivery of the large vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “We are delighted to be launching large vaccination centres in Huntingdon and Wisbech; joining the centre already successfully delivering this life saving vaccination at the Grafton Shopping Centre Cambridge. Further centres will roll out in the coming weeks.

    “The centres are capable of delivering thousands of vaccines in the coming weeks and provide a major boost to our plans to offer protection to those who would benefit most as quickly as possible."

    Letters are being sent out by the national booking service to people in the priority groups as determined by the national Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) who live up to a 45 minute drive from the centres, inviting them to book an appointment at their closest Centre either online or over the phone.

    We’d encourage everyone to book an appointment when they receive a letter but if anyone has already received a jab since the letter was sent out please disregard it. 

    If people would prefer to wait to be invited to attend a hospital or GP service, they are able to do so, or if they already have an appointment booked for their vaccination with a hospital or GP service they can choose to keep the appointment with their hospital or GP.

    Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and local GP added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as providing vital services for people who need our care. 

    “Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine; we will contact you. When you are contacted, please attend your booked appointment.  Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing and people are urged not to turn up early to avoid queues.

    “It is vital that you do not attend the Oak Tree Centre or the Horsefair Shopping Centre vaccination centres if you do not have an appointment as you will not be able to receive a vaccination.”

    “I urge people across Cambridgeshire to continue following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and always remembering ‘hands, face and space’.”

    ENDS

    Editor's notes:

    Covid-19 vaccinations are now being delivered across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – by appointment only - through:

    • Hospital Hubs at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge; Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge; the Peterborough City Hospital; and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon.
    • The Vaccination Centres at The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge; the City Care Centre, Peterborough; the Oak Tree Centre Huntingdon and the Horsefair Shopping Centre Wisbech with more centres coming on line in the comings weeks.
    • Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs and Pharmacies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – for more information on these services visit: https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/

    How to find Unit 55 (former supermarket), Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech

    Unit 55 is a former supermarket. 

    With car parking for nearly 400 cars and the close proximity of the bus station and taxi rank, the Horsefair Shopping Centre is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.  The post code for your sat nav is PE13 1AL.

    Parking is free at the Shopping Centre for up to three hours Monday to Saturday (no charges apply on Sundays)

    How to find the Oak Tree Centre, Huntingdon

    A free car park is located opposite the Oak Tree Centre on Sallowbush Road, Huntingdon (sat nav: PE29 7LA).  Limited additional parking is available immediately outside the front of the centre.

    Huntingdon rail station is on Brampton Road, Huntingdon, PE29 3BP and is two miles from the Oak Tree Centre.

    Who will deliver vaccinations?

    The Department for Health and Social Care recently changed legislation to allow a wider group of people than usual to administer vaccines, including more health care professionals as well as others who have completed the clinical training needed to administer vaccines. 

    Priority groups determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) being invited initially to attend Vaccination Centres:

    • all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 75 years of age and over
    • all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
  • Large scale Covid-19 vaccination centres launch in King's Lynn, Attleborough and North Walsham, accelerating the delivery of life-saving jab

    by Sarah Turner | Feb 01, 2021

    The NHS launches three more large scale Covid-19 vaccination centres in King's Lynn, Attleborough and North Walsham this week as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.  The centres will be located at:

    • King's Lynn Corn Exchange, Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JW from Monday 1 February 2021
    • Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2AS from Wednesday 3 February 2021
    • North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9DE from Saturday 6 February 2021

    The centres provide an additional option to the large scale vaccination centre in the Castle Court Shopping Centre, Norwich and the vaccination hubs already successfully delivering vaccinations in local hospitals and by GPs across the county.

    Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which is co-ordinating delivery of the large vaccination centres across Norfolk and Waveney said: “We are delighted to be launching large vaccination centres in King's Lynn, Attleborough and North Walsham; joining the centre already successfully delivering this life saving vaccination at the Castle Quarter Shopping Centre in Norwich.  Further centres will roll out in the coming weeks.

    “The centres are capable of delivering thousands of vaccines in the coming weeks and provide a major boost to our plans to offer protection to those who would benefit most as quickly as possible.

    “We’d like to say an enormous thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers for their incredible hard work, and also to colleagues at the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, Alive West Norfolk, the Trustees of Connaught Hall, and North Walsham Community Centre for letting us use their premises for this vital vaccination programme.”

    Letters are being sent out by the national booking service to people in the priority groups as determined by the national Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) who live up to a 45 minute drive from the centres, inviting them to book an appointment at their closest centre either online or over the phone.

    We’d encourage everyone to book an appointment when they receive a letter but if anyone has already received a jab since the letter was sent out please disregard it. 

    If people would prefer to wait to be invited to attend a hospital or GP service, they are able to do so, or if they already have an appointment booked for their vaccination with a hospital or GP service they can choose to keep the appointment with their hospital or GP.

    Melanie Craig, Chief Executive, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as providing vital services for people who need our care.  A significant number of Norfolk and Waveney’s most vulnerable patients have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and this new centre will accelerate progress even further.

    “Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine; we will contact you. When you are contacted, please attend your booked appointments. It is vital that you do not attend the King's Lynn, Attleborough or North Walsham vaccination centres if you do not have an appointment as you will not be able to receive a vaccination.

    “I urge people across Norfolk and Waveney to continue following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and always remembering ‘hands, face and space; it’s also vital for people that have had a dose of the vaccine to continue following the same guidance.”

    ENDS

    Editor's notes:

    Covid-19 vaccinations are now being delivered across Norfolk and Waveney – by appointment only - through:

    • Hospital Hubs at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust and the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • The Vaccination Centres at: Castle Quarter Norwich; Corn Exchange King's Lynn; Connaught Hall Attleborough, and the Community Centre North Walsham with more centres coming on line in the comings weeks
    • Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs and Pharmacies – for more information on these services contact the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group via nwccg.communications@nhs.net

    Finding and parking at the Corn Exchange Kings Lynn

    • The Corn exchange is positioned on the historic Tuesday market Place in the centre of King's Lynn. From all major routes follow the signs for King's Lynn Town Centre and once in the centre follow the theatre mask signs on the brown tourist signposts. If using a sat nav please use the postcode PE30 1JW
    • Parking: an area of the Tuesday Market Place car park (sat nav: PE30 1JJ) has been cordoned off for the use of people attending the vaccination centre. Parking in this will be free of charge.
    • By train: The Corn Exchange is approximately a 10 minute walk from the train station. Cross the road directly outside the front of the station which takes you through the bus station and into the town centre. Once in the town centre turn right then left at Snappy Snaps and right at Marks and Spencer. This will bring you to the Tuesday Market Place where the Corn Exchange can be seen to your left. For train times visit https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/
    • By bus: The main bus station is approximately an 8 minute walk to the theatre. For bus time tables and routes please visit https://www.firstgroup.com/suffolk_norfolk/; https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east/norfolk-landing-page; or https://www.nationalexpress.com/en
    • By bicycle: There are bike racks available on the Tuesday Market Place, directly outside the theatre. Bike racks are also positioned outside the adjacent building (Fraswer Dawbarns Solicitors).

    Finding and parking at the Connaught Hall, Attleborough

    Connaught Hall can be found on Station Road, Attleborough, Norfolk (sat nav: NR17 2AS). The Hall has 88 car parking spaces available, all free of charge for people visiting the vaccination centre.

    Attleborough train station: The line runs between Cambridge in the west and Norwich in the east.

    The station is within walking distance of Connaught Hall – approximately 0.1 miles.

    Finding and parking at the North Walsham Community Centre

    The North Walsham Community Centre is located on New Road, North Walsham, Norfolk (sat nav: NR28 9DE).  There are 8 parking space at the centre, with additional parking at the New Road car park close by (charges apply).

    North Walsham railway station is on the Bittern Line, and is 16 miles from Norwich, between Worstead to the south and Gunton to the north. The station is approximately 0.5 miles from the North Walsham Community Centre.

    Who will deliver vaccinations?

    The Department for Health and Social Care recently changed legislation to allow a wider group of people than usual to administer vaccines, including more health care professionals as well as others who have completed the clinical training needed to administer vaccines. 

    Initial priority groups determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) being invited initially to attend Vaccination Centres:

    • all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 75 years of age and over
    • all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
  • Pulmonary rehab programme moves online in Luton

    by User Not Found | Jan 27, 2021

    Pulmonary rehab app

    Patients with a chronic respiratory condition in Luton are receiving the support they need over the internet during the coronavirus pandemic. 

    A seven-week Virtual Pulmonary Rehab programme, run by Luton Community Respiratory Services, teaches and supports patients to manage their condition at home.  

    Included are crucial strengthening and conditioning exercises, as well as educational talks focusing on medication, smoking cessation, future planning, managing breathlessness and infections. 

    The virtual programme was introduced by Luton Children’s and Adults’ Community Health Services, part of Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust, in 2020 following feedback from patients. 

    Hayley Bradshaw, Community Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “Due to coronavirus we stopped all face-to-face programmes. All of our pulmonary rehab patients were contacted so they could be advised on exercising at home. 

    “Unfortunately, many patients noticed they were becoming more deconditioned due to a drop in activity levels. We quickly looked at ways we could support them to continue on their programmes without coming to class.”

    The nationally recognised Pulmonary Rehab programme is normally run by Luton Community Respiratory Services from the Luton Treatment Centre, Dallow Road. Online and offline options are now offered. There is a pre-recorded programme accessed via email links. There is an NHS-approved MyCOPD app featuring exercise videos. Those without internet access may opt for a paper version. 

    Before they join the programme a nurse assesses patients by telephone, video consultation or in clinic. Tests asses the chronic respiratory condition’s impact on a patient’s life and mental wellbeing and there is a review of medication. Equipment for assessments is dropped off at patients’ homes with strict social distancing in place.  

    “If they are safe to exercise at home we send them an emailed link or booklet,” Hayley Bradshaw continued. “They are called by one of the team weekly to answer any questions they may have from the educational videos and to give encouragement with the exercise and advice where needed."

    After the seven-week programme, patients are assessed again. 

    “We discuss with the patient how they are planning to maintain the advancements they have made,” Hayley added. “If required or desired they are referred to Total Wellbeing, Active Luton for ongoing exercise support.”

    Feedback is currently being collected but overall the programme has been a great success.

    “Patients like the convenience of exercising at home and like the level of support given,” said Hayley.

    “Other family members often get involved and they are all getting fitter together.” 

  • First Peterborough Covid-19 large scale vaccination centre launches, accelerating the delivery of life-saving jab

    by Sarah Turner | Jan 25, 2021

    The NHS launches its first large scale vaccination centre in Peterborough this week as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.  The centre will be located at the City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB.

    The centre provides an additional option to the vaccination hubs already successfully delivering vaccinations in local hospitals and by GPs across Peterborough.

    Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which is co-ordinating delivery of the large vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “We are delighted to be launching the first large vaccination centre in Peterborough this week, with more centres being rolled out in the coming weeks.

    “The Peterborough City Care Centre will begin vaccinating people aged 80 and over from Wednesday 27 January 2021 (widening to other age groups in the coming weeks), with the most at risk local frontline health and social care workers being vaccinated on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26 January.

    “The Centre is capable of delivering thousands of vaccines in the coming weeks and provides a major boost to our plans to offer protection to those who would benefit most as quickly as possible.”  

    Letters are being sent out by the national booking service initially to people aged 80 and over (widening to other age groups in the coming weeks) who live up to a 45 minute drive from the centre, inviting them to book an appointment either online or over the phone.

    If anyone has already received a jab since the letter was sent out or would prefer to wait to be invited to attend a hospital or GP service they can simply ignore it.

    Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and local GP added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as providing vital services for people who need our care. 

    “Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine; we will contact you. When you are contacted, please attend your booked appointment.  Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing and people are urged not to turn up early to avoid queues.

    “It is vital that you do not attend the Peterborough City Care Centre if you do not have an appointment as you will not be able to receive a vaccination.

    “I urge people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to continue following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and always remembering ‘hands, face and space’.”

    ENDS

    Editor's notes:

    Covid-19 vaccinations are now being delivered across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – by appointment only - through:

    • Hospital Hubs at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge; Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge; the Peterborough City Hospital; and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon.
    • The Vaccination Centre at the City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB and Unit 30 at the Grafton Centre, Cambridge with more centres coming on line in the coming weeks. Please note that the vaccination centre is not at the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) as this is a separate part of the City Care Centre and the UTC will still be open to patients as normal
    • Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs and Pharmacies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – for more information on these services visit: https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/

    How to find the City Care Centre

    The vaccination centre is located in the City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB. Marshalls will greet visitors to the vaccination centre on arrival.

    • By car: The City Care Centre is easily accessible by car via the A47 or A1 (A1M).There is a free car park – including disabled parking bays - immediately outside the Centre.
    • By bus: Thorpe road is on a number of bus routes including the Citi 2 which runs every 10 minutes. Due to covid restrictions, temporary changes to bus routes may be introduced – please check with the local bus provider before travelling: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/East/JAN21/COVID/JAN24TTCHANGEINFO.pdf
    • By Taxi: Taxis can collect and drop off outside the main entrance to the City Care Centre.
    • By foot and bike: The City Care Centre is a 25 minute walk (approx. 1.5 miles) from either the Peterborough railway station or the Queensgate Shopping Centre; both via Crescent Bridge.

    Who will deliver vaccinations

    The Department for Health and Social Care recently changed legislation to allow a wider group of people than usual to administer vaccines, including more health care professionals as well as others who have completed the clinical training needed to administer vaccines. 

    Priority groups determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI)

    • residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
    • all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 75 years of age and over
    • all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
    • all those 65 years of age and over
    • all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
    • all those 60 years of age and over
    • all those 55 years of age and over
    • all those 50 years of age and over

     

  • First Cambridge Covid-19 large scale vaccination centre launches, accelerating the delivery of life-saving jab

    by Sarah Turner | Jan 25, 2021

    The NHS launches its first large scale vaccination centre in Cambridge on Thursday 28 January 2021 as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. 

    The centre will be located at Unit 30 (next to H&M) which is on the ground floor of the Grafton Shopping Centre and provides an additional option to the vaccination hubs already successfully delivering vaccinations in local hospitals and by GPs across Cambridgeshire.

    Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, which is co-ordinating delivery of the large vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “We are delighted to be launching the first large vaccination centre in Cambridge on Thursday 28 January 2021, with more centres being rolled out in the coming weeks. The life-saving jab will initially be offered to people aged 80 and over (widening to other age groups in the coming weeks), along with health and care staff.

    “The Centre is capable of delivering thousands of vaccines in the coming weeks and provides a major boost to our plans to offer protection to those who would benefit most as quickly as possible.”  

    Letters are being sent out by the national booking service initially to people aged 80 and over (widening to other age groups in the coming weeks) who live up to a 45 minute drive from the centre, inviting them to book an appointment either online or over the phone.

    If anyone has already received a jab since the letter was sent out or would prefer to wait to be invited to attend a hospital or GP service they can simply ignore it.

    John O’Shea, Centre Manager of The Grafton, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust team into the Centre. In a year that has been challenging for everyone, the arrival of the vaccine is light at the end of the tunnel and we are very proud to play a part in this momentous roll-out programme.”   

    Dr Gary Howsam, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and local GP, added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as providing vital services for people who need our care. 

    “Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine; we will contact you. When you are contacted, please attend your booked appointment.  Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing and people are urged not to turn up early to avoid queues.

    “It is vital that you do not attend the Grafton Shopping Centre vaccination centre if you do not have an appointment as you will not be able to receive a vaccination.

    “I urge people across Cambridgeshire to continue following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and always remembering ‘hands, face and space’.”

    ENDS

    Editor's notes:

    Covid-19 vaccinations are now being delivered across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – by appointment only - through:

    • Hospital Hubs at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge; Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge; the Peterborough City Hospital; and Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon.
    • The Vaccination Centres at Unit 30, The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS and at the City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB with more centres coming on line in the coming weeks.
    • Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs and Pharmacies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – for more information on these services visit: https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/

    How to find the Grafton Shopping Centre vaccination centre

    The vaccination centre is located in Unit 30 (next to H&M) on the ground floor, at The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS. The closest entrances to Unit 30 are on Wellington Street and Crispin Street (next to the bus interchange).  Entrances on Napier Street and North Service Yard will not be open.  Access via the Fitzroy Street entrance is possible but is the furthest away from the vaccination centre. 

    • By car: The Grafton is easily accessible by car via the M11, A10 and A14. As you come into the city follow signs to Grafton East multi-storey car park, situated on East Road (charges apply).There are 48 blue badge spaces. All entrances from the East car park into the Centre will be open with lifts available on every floor.
    • By foot and bike: The Grafton is a five-minute walk from the city centre across Christs’ Piece and New Square. The shopping centre is also accessible from Burleigh Street, East Road and Newmarket Road.
    • By bus: The Grafton is on the Newmarket Road (East) park and ride bus routes. The bus drops off and collects shoppers every 12 minutes from the Grafton’s Centre’s Bus Interchange (every 20 minutes after 6pm).Temporary changes to the Park and Ride service as a result of coronavirus can be found here: http://www.cambridgeparkandride.info/whatson.shtml

      The service 17 serves The Grafton, with one bus in the morning and one at night.

    • By Taxi: Taxis can collect shoppers by the West Grafton Car Park and by the Centre’s bus interchange.
    • By Train: The Grafton is a 20-minute walk from Cambridge railway station.

    http://trainline.co.uk

    Who will deliver vaccinations

    The Department for Health and Social Care recently changed legislation to allow a wider group of people than usual to administer vaccines, including more health care professionals as well as others who have completed the clinical training needed to administer vaccines. 

    Priority groups determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI)

    • residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
    • all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 75 years of age and over
    • all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
    • all those 65 years of age and over
    • all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
    • all those 60 years of age and over
    • all those 55 years of age and over
    • all those 50 years of age and over
  • Local Huntingdon company donates Christmas party money to Dreamdrops

    by Sarah Turner | Jan 25, 2021

    Huntingdon company, Accio Consult and Construct, has kindly donated £2000 to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s charity, Dreamdrops, in lieu of its annual staff Christmas dinner. 37C9BB48-B32A-438A-AA14-60AC9AC83C21

    Iain Parnell, Finance Manager at Accio, presented Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of Dreamdrops, with a cheque and said: “We at Accio had to forego our Christmas party this year, the time we reflect on all the hard work our team has undertaken. As it was not possible this year, our directors gave the challenge to our team to propose where we could donate funds normally set aside for Christmas.

    “The criteria was simple, to select two charities where we could inject funds that would make a key difference at the point of donation, it had to be local and it had to be of importance to the team’s values. One of the excellent causes that caught our eye was Dreamdrops and we were delighted to be able to offer our support to this excellent and worthwhile cause.” FC1E7C8C-4AE9-4E3E-82D1-EDB0AD2AEEA6

    Anne-Marie, Chairman of Dreamdrops, said: “We’re thrilled to receive such a generous donation from Accio Consult and Construct. 

    “It was sad that circumstances meant they were unable to hold their annual dinner this year, but we would like to thank them very much indeed for supporting local sick children instead. 

    “It is such a kind and thoughtful thing to do, and we are really grateful to them.

    For further information on how you can help raise funds for Dreamdrops please visit www.dreamdropschildrenscharity.org or email dreamdrops.dreamdrops@nhs.net.

    Further information about Accio can be found here www.acciocandc.com.Accio

    Photo 1 L-R: Iain Parnell, Anne Adamson, Patricia Walsh and Anne-Marie Hamilton

    Photo 2 L-R: Anne Adamson and Patricia Walsh


  • Virtual Board Meeting - 20th January 2021

    by Sarah Turner | Jan 18, 2021

    Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust board meeting on Wednesday 20th January, 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.

     
  • First Norfolk Covid-19 vaccination centre launches, accelerating the delivery of life saving jab

    by Sarah Turner | Jan 18, 2021

    The NHS launches its first vaccination centre in Norfolk today at the Castle Quarter shopping centre in Norwich as part of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.  The centre provides an additional option to the vaccination hubs already successfully delivering vaccinations in local hospitals and by GPs across the county.

    Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which is co-ordinating delivery of the large vaccination centres across Norfolk and Waveney said: “We are delighted to be launching the first large vaccination centre in Norwich on 18 January 2021. The live saving jab will initially be offered to people aged 80 and over, along with health and care staff.”

    “The Centre is capable of delivering thousands of vaccines in the coming weeks and provides a major boost to our plans to offer protection to those who would benefit most as quickly as possible.”  

    Letters are being sent out by the national booking service to people aged 80 and over who live up to a 45 minute drive from the centre, inviting them to book an appointment either online or over the phone.

    Robert Bradley, centre manager of Castle Quarter said: “Castle Quarter has stayed open throughout both lockdowns, enabling essential retailers and services to remain available for customers in a safe way in line with national criteria. We are now extremely pleased and proud to be able to support the NHS and community of Norfolk by opening up the entire food court in Castle Quarter for the county’s first vaccination centre.”  

    Melanie Craig, Chief Executive, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group added: “NHS staff are doing an incredible job to deliver what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history, at the same time as providing vital services for people who need our care.  An increasing number of Norfolk and Waveney’s most vulnerable patients have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and this new centre will accelerate progress even further.

    “Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine; we will contact you. When you are contacted, please attend your booked appointments. It is vital that you do not attend the Castle Quarter vaccination centre if you do not have an appointment as you will not be able to receive a vaccination.

    “I urge people across Norfolk and Waveney to continue following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives – that means staying at home as much as you can, and always remembering ‘hands, face and space’.”

    ENDS

    Editors notes:

    Covid-19 vaccinations are now being delivered across Norfolk – by appointment only - through:

    • Hospital Hubs at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Foundation Trust and the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • The Vaccination Centres at Castle Quarter with more centres coming on line in the coming weeks
    • Local Vaccine Services – provided by GPs and Pharmacies – for more information on these services contact the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group via nwccg.communications@nhs.net

    Who will deliver vaccinations

    The Department for Health and Social Care recently changed legislation to allow a wider group of people than usual to administer vaccines, including more health care professionals as well as others who have completed the clinical training needed to administer vaccines. 

    Priority groups determined by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI)

    • residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
    • all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
    • all those 75 years of age and over
    • all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
    • all those 65 years of age and over
    • all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
    • all those 60 years of age and over
    • all those 55 years of age and over
    • all those 50 years of age and over
  • Local Argos and Mayor of Huntingdon donate sensory toys to the Dreamdrops Christmas Appeal

    by Kirstie Flack | Dec 22, 2020

     

    Argos donationStaff from the Sainsbury’s Argos store in Stukeley Meadows, have kindly donated £300 and toys to Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s charity, “Dreamdrops”, along with the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Karl Webb who donated sensory toys to the appeal

    Kirsty Luckham, Manager at Argos, presented Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of “Dreamdrops” with the gifts and said: “Sainsbury’s Argos are running a nationwide campaign called Brightening a Million Christmas’ which involves all stores making donations to local organisations and charities in their communities.

    “Our store decided that we would like to donate our budget of £300 to Dreamdrops. It’s a charity that we have supported in previous years and as our store has now permanently closed, it felt a fitting way to end our time in Huntingdon by helping out a local charity. We know that many of our colleagues and customers support this charity and we wanted to play our small part.”

    Anne-Marie, Chairman of “Dreamdrops” said: “This is such a wonderful gesture from the staff at Sainsbury’s Argos. The amazing generosity of everyone will give the children that we support a wonderful Christmas Day, and we cannot thank them enough for their kind donation.”

    Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Karl Webb said: “Dreamdrops are my charity during my term of office, and we have collected some sensory toys to go with the donations collected over the past few months.  I was pleased to present Anne-Marie with these toys for the Christmas appeal.”

    For further information on how you can help raise funds for the charity please visit www.dreamdropschildrenscharity.org or email dreamdrops.dreamdrops@nhs.net.

    Photo 1 L-R: Annie Halliday (Trading Manager, Sainsbury’s Argos), Anne-Marie Hamilton (Chairman of Dreamdrops), Christine Luckham (Dreamdrops Committee member), Kirsty Luckham (Manager at Sainsbury’s Argos), Ian Jones (Trading Manager, Sainsbury’s Argos) and Cllr Karl Webb (Mayor of Huntingdon)

  • Christmas appeal for laptops and tablet devices to help pupils and schools affected by Covid-19

    by Sarah Turner | Dec 22, 2020

    As we approach Christmas, the time of year for generosity and giving, local children’s charity Dreamdrops has partnered with local businesses to launch an appeal to help schools and their pupils.

    The Huntingdonshire based partnership is appealing to residents and local companies for donations of used laptops and tablet devices (such as iPads) which could be refurbished and donated to schools, to help pupils continue their studies away from the classroom. The appeal begins this week and will continue into 2021.

    Dreamdrops, the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust charity, has joined forces with i-dash, a leading Technology Solutions provider based in Eaton Socon, St Neots. i-dash have kindly offered to wipe, refurbish and prepare the machines ready for reuse. The devices will then be PAT tested by Cambs-PAT UK Ltd – a local company based in Eaton Socon, before being handed over to local schools across the county, so they can be distributed to pupils who need them.

    The aim is to collect at least 250 redundant laptops and tablets. Such an ambitious project across a large area cannot be achieved without additional help and local public support. The partners are delighted to also be working with the Riverport Women’s Institute, based in St Ives and local Community Support Groups which were set up at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to help people living in their local areas.

    Anyone willing to donate a laptop or tablet is kindly requested to carry out the following beforehand:

    1. Back up your data and reset the device to 'factory settings'. If you donate a device that has not been reset you will not be able to retrieve your data once the machine has been handed over and all information will be wiped clean in a secure and safe manner.
    2. Wipe the device over with a cold damp cloth that has antibacterial spray on it.
    3. Ensure any appropriate cables and leads are also donated.
    4. Place the device/s in a plastic bag for either collection or delivery.

    Please note instructions for resetting your device to factory settings can be found on Dreamdrops’ website: www.dreamdropschildrenscharity.org/donating-your-device/

    If you would like to support this initiative, please contact one of our Associate Partners in your local area:

    Huntingdon:  Huntingdonshire Community Group.  Email:  huntingdonshirecommunitygroup@gmail.com

    Ramsey: Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust.  Email: anna@ramseyneighbourhoodstrust.org

    St Ives:  Riverport W.I.  Email: riverportwi@btinternet.com

    St Neots:  St. Neots Community Support.   Tel:  03333 355344

    Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of Dreamdrops, said: “We are thrilled to be working on this essential project with i-dash, and are delighted with the wonderful response from our associate partners across Huntingdonshire who are all kindly willing to help ensure the success of the project. 

    “It is far too big a task for any individual organisation to manage on its own but, by pulling together, we can make it work. Helping schools to keep their pupils learning is a great cause, and I hope that people who may be upgrading their laptop or tablet over Christmas, or who have older machines still sitting in a cupboard somewhere, will be willing to donate them.”

    Mick Marks MBE, Managing Director of i-dash Limited, said: “As a technology solutions provider, i-dash understands the need to be connected during these challenging times. As a supporter of local causes and schools in particular, we understand some of the challenges that are faced in our local community. When we were approached by Dreamdrops it was a yes before the conversation had even started!”

    For further information on how you can help raise funds for Dreamdrops please visit www.dreamdropschildrenscharity.org/ or email dreamdrops.dreamdrops@nhs.net.

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