RAMPING UP: Primary Care Networks across north Cumbria are increasing their delivery of vaccines and this includes working with care homes. Picture: North Cumbria CCG (January 12, 2021) NINE sites are now delivering coronavirus vaccinations to the over 80s and care home residents and staff in north Cumbria. All eight Primary Care Networks (PCN) - groups of GP Practices working together in local areas - are delivering the jab to those that need it. The vaccine is now being delivered from nine locations. Most people are now within 10 miles of a vaccination centre, Cumbria s director of public health, Colin Cox said. Teams are also visiting local care homes and the homes of housebound patients and those with mobility issues, to ensure the most vulnerable residents get their jabs.
COVID-19 vaccines rolled out across north CumbriaÂ
Alex Crawford and Lucy Thornton
Every primary care network across north Cumbria is now delivering COVID-19 vaccines to over-80s and care home residents and staff.
There are eight networks â groups of GP practices working together in local areas â and the vaccine is now being delivered from nine locations.
The teams are also visiting local care homes and the homes of housebound patients and those with mobility issues, to ensure the most vulnerable residents get the vaccine.
Primary care teams, including GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, healthcare workers, admin staff and a significant number of volunteers from a range of organisations, have worked together to get the new hubs up and running.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout update given by Boris Johnson
He said: “You have a right to know how we are cracking this problem.”
He has pledged the four most vulnerable groups should be vaccinated by February 15 and said: “There is no doubt we will have the capacity to reach that target.”
Nearly 1.5m people have had a vaccination already.
Hundreds of GP s have begun the roll out and more than 700 local vaccination centres will be open.
He said everyone should be within 10 miles of a vaccination centre.
Seven major vaccination hubs will be set up next week.
The army is working with NHS and healthcare professionals to set up the centres.
COVID-19 infection rates have risen to their highest levels yet in Carlisle and Eden, says Cumbria s most senior public health expert. Colin Cox, Cumbria s Director of Public Health, spelled out the scale of the local coronavirus challenge as it was confirmed that Carlisle now has the highest infection rate in the county, with nearly 600 cases. Government data shows that in the last week, 585 people in the Carlisle local authority area tested positive for Covid-19. The area s infection rate per 100,000 of population is 538.3 - just above Eden. Mr Cox said in recent days the new variant of the virus - up to 70 per cent more infectious - has fuelled a marked rise in new cases.
Online support networks are available for those experiencing tough times Residents in north Cumbria have been encouraged to seek help if they are feeling low. The North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group has encouraged residents to explore two online support networks - Kooth and Togetherall - if they are struggling with mental health during this Christmas period, perhaps due to family difficulties or loss. There are many reasons why you might not be feeling the Christmas spirit this year: it could be worries about Covid, struggles with loneliness, social anxiety, family difficulties or dealing with the loss of a loved one, a message from the CCG read on social media.