Latest News | 12 January 2021
Arena's key role in vaccination programme
Derby Arena is playing a key role in Derbyshire’s coronavirus vaccination programme.
The venue, on Pride Park, has become the largest Covid-19 vaccination site in Derbyshire.
Vaccinations at the arena, which are by appointment only, are being carried out by five Primary Care Networks (PCNSs) working together, representing 30 GP practices around the city.
Derby & Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is managing the rollout of the vaccine across the county, and CCG medical director Dr Steve Lloyd said the opening of the Arena was another big step forward.
He said: “Carrying out vaccinations at Derby Arena means we can provide this vital vaccine to more people even more quickly in a really important population centre.
“Teams from the PCN, the arena and Derby Council, have worked incredibly hard to get this vaccination centre up and running, and I’m really proud of their efforts.
“This continues the progress we have made, beginning with vaccinations in our two largest hospitals in early December, then moving to primary care sites and then to care homes before Christmas.
“The speed with which our teams have managed to achieve this is a tribute to their dedication and professionalism.”
Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, welcomed the opening as part of Derby’s ongoing Covid-19 response.
He said: “The use of Derby Arena as a vaccination site is a very positive step in our efforts to reduce cases of Covid-19 in the city and I want to thank all involved who have worked so hard to make it possible.
“We have every confidence that this commitment to efficiency and protection of Derby’s citizens will continue throughout the roll-out.”
Dr Robyn Dewis, the city council’s director of public health, said: “It is an extremely welcome sight to see the opening of the arena as a vaccination site, and I hope that the national programme will go some way to providing protection for vulnerable citizens and our frontline health and social care workers.
“However, it is important that we remember that these efforts will only be effective if we also continue to individually play our part in bringing down transmission.
“As we have now moved into new national restrictions, it is vital that we stay at home unless for essential reasons to help support the ongoing work against Covid-19.”
