Covid: Harrogate care chief concerned over 'vague' vaccine roll-out as she shares hopes and fears for 2021

The chief executive of a Harrogate care charity has expressed concern that homes are being left in the dark over the coronavirus vaccine - as she shared her hopes and fears for 2021.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours, said information on the vaccine roll-out has been "vague" and that care homes "do not feel that we are a priority".

She said residents and staff are also growing increasingly concerned over the faster-spreading strain of Covid-19 - but added there is still some cause for optimism heading into the New Year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We feel reasonably optimistic as we know we will get the vaccine eventually and life has to go back to some kind of normality," she said, "we all just want to have a big party and hug each other and the people we look after and their families.

Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours.Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours.
Sue Cawthray, chief executive of Harrogate Neighbours.

"More and more people are getting the virus and more and more are being less careful – not following or adhering to the rules – I feel more at risk now than before – and it is really challenging trying to keep everyone safe.

"Until we all receive the vaccine, staff and service users are all still at huge risk."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The NHS is coordinating the vaccine roll out and local health officials are keen to reassure people that extensive work is going on behind the scenes.

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, told a briefing that the NHS is working “as quickly as possible” to reach the most vulnerable people in the community and care homes first.

He said: "Our colleagues in the NHS are working around the clock to prepare to receive the latest batches of vaccines. Please be patient, it’s a massive logistical issue.

“They are moving as quickly as possible to get people vaccinated.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are seven vaccination centres set up in North Yorkshire, including the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, and care bosses are awaiting news on when the jab will be widely available.

Mrs Cawthray said staff at Harrogate Neighbours - which provides residential care and hot meal delivery services for the elderly - are hopeful this will be soon after the New Year and that they will remember 2020 as "the year that life changed us beyond anything we would ever have anticipated."

She said: "We all chose to work in the care sector, but no one chose a pandemic – staff have come to work day after day – always with a smile, being that incredible support to the most vulnerable in our community – having to be everything to everyone – but equally there for each other when it has been tough."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter