Elgin Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre staff moved to help on wards at under-pressure Dr Gray's Hospital
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STAFF at Moray's main Covid-19 vaccination centre have been transferred to help on wards at under-pressure Dr Gray's Hospital.
It is believed a number of the vaccination team were informed of the change when they turned up for work at Elgin's Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre yesterday morning.
NHS Grampian says the decision will not impact appointments and walk-ins at the vaccination centre.
Over the last fortnight, Dr Gray's, along with other hospitals in the north-east, has frequently been at "black" status, essentially a temperature gauge of how busy the hospital is and how much pressure it is under. This can occur for multiple reasons, including capacity and staffing levels.
An NHS Grampian spokesperson said today: "We have released a small number of staff, comprising nurses and healthcare support workers, from the vaccination programme to provide additional support at Dr Gray’s Hospital.
"This is for a limited period and will not have a negative impact on the vaccination programme in Moray.
"The Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre remains open seven days a week for booked appointments and drop-in vaccinations."
The spokesperson added: "Healthcare in general is under sustained pressure at present, due to increasing cases of Covid-19 in the community and the associated requirement for close contacts to isolate.
"In addition, we are managing other sick leave and planned holidays and an increase in activity as we deal with a backlog of routine care.
"We remain grateful to the general public for their support and appropriate and sensible use of healthcare services."
