A new large vaccination centre will open its doors on Monday 15 March in Walsall town centre providing immunisations to the people in the West Midlands as part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The centre will be run by the Walsall Together Partnership and is located in the former TJ Hughes shop in the Saddlers Shopping Centre.
It will be run on a strictly appointment basis only, with people in the being sent letters or a text message from the National NHS Booking Service, with information on how they can book their appointments prior to arrival.
Daren Fradgley, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are so very proud to be able to open this vaccination centre in Walsall and support in delivering the vaccinations that are so crucial to thousands of people across the region and beyond. It is really important that members of the public help us to ensure things run efficiently and effectively by only coming to the centre if they have been contacted by the NHS and have an appointment booked. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from across the Walsall Together partnership who has been involved in setting up this site and all the staff and volunteers who will be on hand to get the people of Walsall and our neighbouring regions vaccinated safely.”
Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health, Walsall said: “The coming weeks will be crucial for Walsall as we all work together to get this vaccine to the people who need it most.
In the meantime Covid-19 is still circulating and it is very important that people continue to do everything it takes to stop the spread of the virus. Follow the simple ‘hands, face, space’ measures and minimise your contact with others as much as you can.”
“The NHS will be in touch as and when you become eligible for the vaccine and we strongly advise you to take up the offer. Our priority will be protecting our older residents, medically vulnerable people and our NHS and care workers.”
“The Saddlers Centre is an ideal town centre location that is accessible and well known in the borough. Our thanks must go to our partners and the site managers for the speed at which they have got this vaccination centre, COVID secure and up and running.”
Melvin Glasby, Centre Manager commented, “The Saddlers Centre is happy to support our community in the fight against Covid-19 and welcomes the vaccination centre. Our essential retailers are open at this time, and we will do all we can to support the Council and NHS in the operation of this important task.”
In order to help NHS staff manage queueing and registration people are being asked to arrive no more than 10 minutes before their appointment time.
As part of the support for the vaccine centre, Walsall Council is offering free parking for the first hour on the Saddlers Centre Car Park accessible from Bridgeman Street and Bradford Street, for anyone who is attending their vaccination appointment.
The Saddlers Centre is also easily accessible on foot from the train station located within the centre and the several bus stops around the centre and within a short walking distance.
For more information including what to expect when it’s your turn to be vaccinated visit: https://www.walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk/the-saddlers-vaccination-centre/