HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visits Wembley Vaccination Centre
Published on: 23rd February 2021
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, today visited Wembley vaccination centre to meet NHS Volunteer Responder Volunteers and NHS staff who have supported the vaccine rollout during the pandemic.
The Duchess of Cornwall thanked the volunteers on the frontline of the vaccination effort and shared words of encouragement to those waiting for their jabs. “It feels like the first step of freedom, I certainly felt like that [after getting the vaccine]”, Her Royal Highness commented, adding “I hope you’re able to be reunited with your grandchildren, I think we’re all looking forward to that!”.
The Duchess also took the time to thank NHS staff including Pippa Nightingale, Chief Nursing Officer for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who leads the North West London vaccination programme, for their incredible response to the pandemic and the swift rollout of life-saving vaccines to millions of people in the highest priority groups since December. Upon meeting the staff, the Duchess commented that “No other country does it better”.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness met volunteer Liyann Ooi (27) at the vaccination site, commenting an appreciative “Thank goodness for volunteers”. Liyann is one of the tens of thousands of people who signed up to support the vaccination programme as a NHS Volunteer Responder Steward Volunteer.
Stewards help on site by guiding people to make sure the vaccination process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They help ensure social distancing and identify people who need additional support.
Liyann Ooi said: “It was an honour and privilege to meet HRH The Duchess of Cornwall today. Having had the jab herself she was able to provide reassurance to those yet to have theirs. I have loved my time volunteering so far and meeting Her Royal Highness today really was amazing.
The visit comes as the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme, delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app, announced that its volunteers had answered more than 1.5 million requests for help throughout the pandemic.
This includes support with tasks such as shopping and prescription collection, transport to and from vital medical appointments and stewarding at vaccination sites. The volunteers also provide “check in and chat calls” for those who might be feeling isolated, something Her Royal Highness has done herself.
Pippa Nightingale, Chief Nursing Officer for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Volunteers are a crucial part of the Wembley Vaccination Centre, and all vaccination centres across the country. They provide a friendly face to those who are coming for their vaccination and provide reassurance to those who might be nervous or unsure about where to go and what to do. They deserve all the recognition they get, and more.”
Sam Ward, Deputy CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our President HRH The Duchess of Cornwall for visiting the vaccination site and showing her support of the NHS Volunteer Responder Volunteers. Each and every volunteer who stepped forward to support the NHS and their community is a hero in my eyes. We truly appreciate the continued efforts of our volunteers during the pandemic and as the vaccination programme moves forward.”
