Uist and Barra rally to support Covid Vaccine rollout

NHS Western Isles has been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by local communities in their efforts in assisting the roll-out of the Covid vaccination programme throughout the Outer Hebrides.  

Prior to Level 4 Lockdown, the local COVID Vaccination Team contacted Balivanich Hall to enquire about the possibility of using the Hall. At this point, they had no idea the lengths the Committee and its supporters would go to, to ensure that clinics would run as smoothly, comfortably and effectively as possible.  

In addition to the front foyer being painted and revitalised, the islanders, made up of a team of professional trades to volunteers, banded together to fix the Hall’s heating, plumbing and doors, with a group of volunteer cleaners and carpet cleaners also being deployed to help.  

The team’s next issue was a lack of internet in the building, essential for the NHS staff to upload important vaccination data to the national database following each individual vaccination.  However, this did not hold the team back, with Voove, Benbecula Technology Centre, providing connectivity and arranging the installation for free.   

Iain (Donyards) MacDonald, Director of Benbecula Community Association, said: “We as a Committee had absolutely no hesitation in allowing Balivanich Hall to be used as a Vaccination Hub and welcome the Covid Team in due course. In addition our message is clear – keep up the outstanding work you are all doing and fingers crossed that our lovely islands can get back to some normality in the near future.” 

NHS Western Isles has the first appointments scheduled in Balivanich Hall this Friday and Saturday. 

Appointments for some individuals on Barra are also underway this week, and we would like to sincerely thank the University of the Highlands & Islands’ Lews Castle College Barra Campus for providing the Barra Centre room free of charge.   

NHS Western Isles would like to thank everyone who has already contributed their time and effort to assist us with the delivery of the COVID Vaccination programme.  We are indeed fortunate to live in a place where there is such outstanding goodwill and kindness and an unwavering community spirit.