First Covid-19 vaccinations begin at Warrington Hospital

James White and Bill Vernon became the first patients to be given the Pfizer vaccine at the hospital last night, Tuesday, in its new vaccination hub.

After receiving the first dose from occupational health nurse Lorraine Kenyon, 82-year-old Runcorn resident James said he was looking forward to being able to visit his grandchildren when possible.

Soon afterwards, Warrington resident Bill, 84, was vaccinated by lead nurse Deb Hatton.

After receiving the jab, Bill said: “I asked about it today at my appointment and they said I could have it, so I jumped at the chance as I want to feel safer and see my family.”

Bill Vernon with vaccinator Deb Hatton​

The start of the hospital’s vaccination programme has been welcomed by Simon Constable, chief executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “It is great news that at WHH, we are now underway with administering the vaccine to patients aged over 80 and those NHS and care home staff prioritised for the first phase of this vaccination programme.

“This is a huge step in our local fight against Covid-19, and we are delighted that after several weeks of preparations we have been able to put our plans into action.

“Our teams will be working hard in the days before Christmas to deliver the first dose of the vaccine to as many of those called up as we can and continuing throughout the festive period and into the new year.

“I would like to thank all the teams involved and thank all those who have been called up and booked in with us for their first vaccination.”

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals is one of a number of hospital hubs in Cheshire and Merseyside that will be administering the vaccine.

Residents are urged not to contact the hospital about making a vaccination appointment, as anyone in priority groups will receive an invitation to book from either their GP or an NHS hub.