Last week High Peak MP Robert Largan asked the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Leader of the House of Commons, for a parliamentary debate on rural access to healthcare, praising local charities that have been supporting the vaccine rollout.
Vaccination centres are now up and running in Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Buxton. The rest of High Peak is also seeing a rapid increase in the speed of the rollout.
During Business Questions, the High Peak MP asked:
“Can we have a debate on access to healthcare in rural areas? This is particularly important given the roll-out of the covid vaccine. I pay tribute to three brilliant local charities—the New Mills and District Volunteer Centre, Connex Community Support in Buxton, and The Bureau in Glossop—which are all offering High Peak residents free transport to attend vaccine appointments. This is a really important service, and I want to put on record my thanks to all involved and to all those working so hard to roll out the vaccine.”
In response, the Leader of the House said:
“I very much welcome my hon. Friend’s tribute to the three charities in his constituency. During the pandemic, we have seen the most amazing national effort to tackle the coronavirus. It has been our nation at its absolute best. As of Friday, 96% of the population in England will live within 10 miles of a vaccination site, and by spring we will have 2,700 vaccination sites across the United Kingdom. On top of the 1,000 vaccination sites that are already on line, this will include, in England: an additional 206 active hospital sites; 50 vaccination centres; and around 1,200 local vaccination sites, including primary care networks, community pharmacy sites and mobile teams. I join my hon. Friend in praising the work of these charities and all that they are doing to support this vital roll-out.”
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I think it’s really important to recognise the amazing contribution of organisations like New Mills and District Volunteer Centre, Connex Community Support, and The Bureau. If anyone needs help getting to their vaccine appointment, the service they are offering is making a huge difference.”
