News

The Duke of Cambridge has thanked NHS Western Isles staff for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Duke of Cambridge had a telephone conversation with Barra Charge Nurse, Frances MacNeil, on Thursday (February 18), to discuss with her, her role as a vaccinator in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which Frances describes as ‘one of the most rewarding jobs I have carried out’. 

Frances said that the conversation with the Duke of Cambridge was ‘very relaxed’ and she really enjoyed speaking with him. 

She commented: “Prince William was very knowledgeable about the vaccination programme and the geography of the islands. He asked about the logistics of getting the vaccine to the islands and how we were managing. We spoke a little about the challenges of unpredictable weather and reaching people in their own homes. 

“He commented that of course so many of them had been unable to leave their homes during the past year because of the pandemic.” 

She added: “I did mention to him that his grandmother knew Barra and Vatersay well as she visited on several occasions with her young family on the Royal yacht Britannia.” 

Before the call ended, Prince William expressed his sincere thanks to NHS Western Isles staff and wished all staff well.