Like many Fire and Rescue Service’s across the country, BFRS have been utilizing their services to support the mass vaccine rollout. In the last few weeks, the Service has been responsible for setting up vaccination centers across Bedfordshire and Luton to help vaccinate our communities.
Challenge
In just 24 hours, BFRS set up a walk-up vaccination pilot, opening the doors to numbers of people who were eligible for the vaccine.
Station Commander Robert Hulatt, who led the operation said; “Given the short notice timescale the challenge was significant, what we achieved through collaboration was incredible! Plans laid late into last Thursday night were executed meticulously by our multiagency workforce on the ground. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of a team that steps up and delivers time after time.”
Vaccination program
The vaccination pilot successfully delivered almost 3000 vaccinations at three walk-in sites alone. Data captured from the centers suggested that the vaccination centers have vaccinated people who would not otherwise have used the booking system.
Ola Hill, Deputy Organisational Resilience Manager, Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group said; “This is the epitome of collaboration at its best! It was a stellar effort by all.”
Moreover, the Service’s engagement with rough sleepers has also resulted in an enhanced understanding of barriers to vaccination program participation. This intelligence has now put more momentum behind a solution to vaccinate the homeless. Bedfordshire FRS continues to work alongside the NHS and Blue Light partners to ensure the smooth running and success of this vaccination program.