Plaid Cymru - standing up for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd

As a “tidal wave” of Omicron is about to hit the UK, the North Wales health board needs to “up its game” when it comes to testing and vaccinations.

People seeking Covid boosters feel “worried and neglected by lack of information and lack of action” by the health board, Dwyfor Meirionnydd community leaders have warned.

There are fears that confusion and a lack of information about vaccination drop in sessions are hampering efforts to roll out the third jab across the region.
Mabon ap Gwynfor, the MS for Dwyfor Meironnydd said: “We are hearing reports of uncertainty over accessibility to the booster vaccination, incorrect information on appointment times, and general concerns about how people in some communities will be able to get boosters within a reasonable distance of where they live. "Parents have also been in touch, concerned that their children have not been given an appointment for vaccinations either.

He added: “Betsi Cadwaladr health board managers must speed up the Covid booster roll-out, especially in remote areas where GPs surgeries are under pressure.

“We are hearing of vaccination sessions at various places, but local residents and others in the constituency are not aware of these sessions. Regional communications strategies are essential, with updates on drop-in booster sessions at named sites advertised on social media and in local newspapers.”

Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, demanded practical steps be taken to allow people to find out information about vaccinations.
Both Liz Saville Roberts MP and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, have called for a dedicated phone line to make appointments to be set up as a matter of urgency.

Mrs Saville Roberts said: “As locally-elected representatives, we want to play our part in communicating the booster programme. We are greatly disappointed that BCUHB management cancelled an update on Friday, and call for an urgent update on Covid boosters, hospital bed occupation and the forecasts for the Christmas period and following weeks.”
Yesterday (December 12) Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the UK was facing a “tidal wave” of the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.

With Omicron cases on the rise across the UK, people have been told they need a third vaccination jab to help contain the latest outbreak.

Mrs Saville Roberts added: “GP surgeries in the constituency are doing their best. It is, however, impossible for GPs and their staff to carry out the booster programme unless the health board offers central support and messaging, the board must up its game.

“The communities of Dwyfor Meirionnydd cannot accept a substandard service because the health board is ill-prepared and reluctant to step in and provide a booster programme in the southernmost area of its region.

“The virus seems to be spreading in many of our schools currently, and parents are contacting us concerned that they have not received any information about when their children are due the vaccination. Many live in households with vulnerable loved ones, and are desperate for information in order to keep their loved ones safe."