Health bosses try to justify Motherwell journey for vaccinations

Health chiefs have told people in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth that travelling more than 20 miles to Motherwell to receive their Covid-19 vaccination is no different from attending a hospital appointment.
The Muirfield Centre has not been stood down as a vaccination hub - but patients are being  urged to go to RavenscraigThe Muirfield Centre has not been stood down as a vaccination hub - but patients are being  urged to go to Ravenscraig
The Muirfield Centre has not been stood down as a vaccination hub - but patients are being urged to go to Ravenscraig

NHS Lanarkshire has also stated that the vaccination programme will end two months earlier than planned if patients do not seek out at appointment at the Muirfield Centre and make the journey to Ravenscraig Regional Sports Complex instead.

The sports centre is more than 18 miles away from the Muirfield Centre but NHS Lanarkshire is inviting patients to board free buses after striking a deal with SPT.

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It has also been stressed that car-sharing would be allowed “if there are no other alternatives”.

Dr Mark Russell, Lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Lanarkshire, said: “More people being vaccinated quicker is the simplest and most important step we can take to help life get back to normal, faster. It would not be possible to do this without maximising our supercentres, so we’re asking for your help – if you can attend your appointment in a supercentre, please do so. This leaves the Muirfield for those who absolutely need it. "

"Attending your appointment is the most important journey you’ll make this year. Which is why we are asking our local communities to make an extra effort.”

For more on the continuing outcry over this decision, see Page 5.

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