News

Around 420 individuals were vaccinated at two COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinics in Balivanich Hall last week. 

A phenomenal amount of work was undertaken by Benbecula Community Association and associated volunteers to get the hall ready for use, and two clinics were held on Friday and Saturday. NHS Western Isles is hugely grateful to the community association for this assistance and support.  

In attendance at last week’s clinics in Benbecula were personnel from Scottish Fire and Rescue Services and Her Majesty’s Coastguard Service who provided significant and invaluable assistance.  

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 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.”   

Additional clinics are due to take place this week again in Balivanich Hall and across the Western Isles in Tarbert Community Hall in Harris, Southend Hall in South Uist, Barra Learning Centre, and the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway. 

NHS Western Isles would remind everyone attending an appointment: 

• You will be required to wear a clinical face mask at your appointment (if you are medically exempt you will be required to present a Scottish Government Exemption Card – available from 0800 121 6240 or request online at www.exempt.scotFace Covering Exemption Card ScotlandFace Coverings. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of face coverings to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The best scientific and medical evidence available is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering provides some additional protection, especially in crowded and less well ventilated spaces, and where two metre physical distancing is not possible.www.exempt.scot). A face mask will be provided to you at your appointment. 
• You are asked to attend on time (not early or late) and alone if possible, unless you require assistance.  
• You will be required to follow safety instructions (hand sanitizer on entry and keep a safe physical distance from others). 
• Wear loose fitting clothing with easy access to your upper arm. 
• If you are unable to attend or need to re-schedule your appointment please contact us as soon as possible on 0808 196 8383. 

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.  

  

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• Pictured are some of the staff at this weekend’s clinics in Benbecula. 
• The COVID vaccination clinic set up in Balivanich Hall. 
• Personnel from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Her Majesty’s Coastguard Agency.