CALLS to come together to vaccinate Flintshire as there is ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, says a Member of the Senedd.

As of Thursday, January 14, a total of 112,973 people in Wales have now received the coronavirus vaccine.

Earlier this week, the Leader reported how Alyn and Deeside MS, Jack Sargeant, visited the Deeside mass vaccination centre, where around 700 people were vaccinated that day.

He told the Leader that he was impressed by the operation and all those on the frontline to help.

The MS said that as the vaccine continues to be rolled out, everyone must come together to play their part in ensuring no-one in Flintshire gets left behind.

The past 10-months have been the most gruelling, with many loved ones sadly lost along the way, but there is now ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, as selfless staff and volunteers work hard to get the vaccine out.

Data released by Public Health Wales on January 14 showed that 202 new coronavirus cases were reported in Wrexham and 147 in Flintshire.

Wrexham's seven-day infection rate per 100,000 population stands at 922 and remains the highest in Wales, with Flintshire's second highest at 641.9.

There is still a ‘long road ahead’, but if everyone plays their part, whether by adhering to the lockdown rules, or volunteering with the health board, many lives can be saved.

Jack Sargeant said: “Having seen the vaccination administered first-hand I am putting out a call - can you help get Flintshire get vaccinated? The health board are asking for volunteers and Flintshire needs you.

"This week at the vaccination centre, I met an amazing group of people, NHS staff and volunteers working to get us through this crisis and get Flintshire vaccinated.

“If you think you have time to be part of this process visit the link and get on board.

“These are still difficult times and we must follow the rules to protect each other and our NHS but thanks to the amazing staff and volunteers there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“I know everyone wants to be vaccinated as quickly as possible but remember the health board will contact you. Please don’t call your GP as they are likely to be busy with the vaccination programme.”

Mr Sargeant said it is a ‘slick operation’ with staff and volunteers working tirelessly to bring hope in these unprecedented times.

However, more volunteers are needed to jump on board to help.

There are a number of roles available such as immunisers, booking clerks, administrators, exit care and clinical supervisors.

More information, and to register interest, can be found online at https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-team-returning-healthcare-professionals

One retired anaesthetic practitioner, in Flintshire, signed up to volunteer to be an immuniser.

He told the Leader: “I did it because the only way I and everyone else can get out of this pandemic.

“I would encourage anyone who has a skill that can be utilized step forward. I retired from the NHS recently ,and have a skill set that can be helpful.”

Across North Wales, as of January 13 around 52 GPs have commenced vaccinating priority groups – which is more than half of participating practises.

Dr Chris Stockport, Executive Director of Primary and Community Care added: “The remaining practices will start delivering the vaccine in the coming weeks.

“We appreciate the anxiety felt by the public and the desire to be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, we urge people not to contact their GP Practice directly as they will be contacted by telephone or letter when it is their turn to be vaccinated.

“We are currently working to introduce a pilot with one pharmacy in North West Wales and we will be asking all of our pharmacy contractors for expressions of interest shortly. Based on the learning from the pilot, we hope to roll the service out across North Wales over the coming weeks.

“To help keep people up-to-date with the vaccination programme, every household in North Wales will receive a letter this week. This will explain in more detail the list of priority groups that will be vaccinated first, how they will be contacted and other useful information.”