The NHS will trial using a Ford Transit van to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations around Essex from next week.
A specially-converted van will travel around the county in order to boost the number of vaccines in areas where the take-up has been low.
Ford said the van will be a hub for dedicated vaccine clinics in the grounds of churches, mosques and other community venues. The NHS will liaise with community leaders and groups to fill pre-booked appointments and vaccinate as many people as possible.
It has been converted by the West Yorkshire-based Venari Group and includes medical-grade refrigeration with wi-fi monitoring capability, vaccine transport coolers and a collapsible chair for administering vaccines, plus an integrated tablet for accessing and updating health records.
At present, one van is being used and a Ford spokesperson confirmed to Motoring Research that it will be used for at least a year. However, there is scope to increase the number of vehicles if the pilot scheme is successful.
“Over the coming weeks, this Ford Transit will make some incredibly important journeys as a vaccination van,” said Mandy Dean, director of commercial vehicles at Ford of Britain. “Working with the NHS and community leaders to deliver this brilliant scheme and bolster the exemplary vaccine rollout, has been a privilege.”
Dr Smitesh Patel, clinical director at Benfleet Primary Care Network added: “Our goal of giving everyone an equal opportunity to receive this essential vaccine is now in closer reach, owing to the additional support from our valued network of community leaders, Ford and Venari Group. This added mobility has meant the gap will be bridged for so many facing a struggle to visit their local vaccination centre.”
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