Pressure mounts on the NHS as Covid rates rise
This is the hardest period we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who is working very hard to manage these challenging circumstances.
The NHS is always busy at this time of year but the latest wave of Covid is putting all of our services under immense pressure.
We need everyone in Kent and Medway to do their bit and use NHS services wisely as pressure on hospitals, ambulance service and 111 mounts.
Please play your part in stopping the spread of Covid-19 by staying at home as much as possible including for New Year, social distancing, wearing masks and washing your hands. If you need urgent medical help please use the online 111 service or call 111.
Covid-19 vaccination update
The NHS in Kent and Medway is committed to providing vaccination services across all areas and new sites are being opened as quickly as possible. We now have 23 GP led services which have started vaccinations, and 12 more are going through final planning to start in the first half of January.
We understand many people want to know when they will be offered the vaccine. Please be patient. People will be contacted directly when the vaccine is available in their area for the priority group they are in. The CCG cannot answer individual queries about when people will be offered the vaccine, but we do have a Covid-19 vaccine page on our website
New guidance issued on 30th December means the NHS will now focus on providing a first dose of the vaccine to as many people as possible and will offer the second dose at a later date, up to 12 weeks after the first dose. If you, or a relative, have already had an appointment confirmed for a second dose please assume it is going ahead unless you are directly contacted about a change.
Two Kent GP teams were among the first to start vaccinating in care homes. Find out more here
Read the full bulletin at >> http://bit.ly/38LS6DS
NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group
