Posted on: 15 March 2021
Last week CNWL and the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals opened the Heathrow Mass Vaccination Centre. The centre will be open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and capable of vaccinating 5000 people a day, that’s an incredible 35000 people per week.
On the opening day, CNWL Chief Executive Claire Murdoch met the Heathrow Vaccine Centre Team and was taken through the patient journey, from registering, to the consent room and to the vaccine area.
The site also has a room for people who find having an injection difficult such as those with a learning disability or autism. The room is away from the main vaccine area and is a quiet and calming space. If you or someone you care for would like to use this private room, mention it to a staff member and they will be able to help you.
Outside the vaccine area are colourful drawings of flowers by the children of Ibstock Place School in Roehampton to help put a smile on peoples faces when they have their vaccine.
Before the very first customer arrived, everyone from volunteers, nurses, pharmacists, security, and admin all came together in the canteen, safely of course - with their masks on, for a reflection on all their hard work over the past few weeks to get the centre up a running.
The opening day of the Heathrow Mass Vaccination Centre coincided with International Women’s day and the team celebrated the achievements of all the women who are leading and supporting the team at Heathrow.
At 1pm Peter Wood, 63 from Feltham arrived as the first customer to receive his vaccine, he was welcomed by a massive cheer as staff and volunteers clapped when he walked through the door. Explaining how it felt as he went to get his vaccine Peter said, “I’m just so pleased to get this”. It took around five minutes from registering to having the vaccine.
Thank you to all staff including Heathrow airport staff and volunteers for their assistance in setting up the centre.
Here is some of the feedback we’ve had from local residents since opening the Heathrow Mass Vaccination Centre:
“The whole experience has been painless. All staff have been very organised and caring. Eliminated my fears and helped me to relax. Thank you”.
“Fast and simple process. Helpful and kind staff”.
“Very well organised, staff very friendly. Made me feel very relaxed”.
“Found my whole experience to be welcoming and professional. Was treated well as soon as I entered”.
When you are called for the vaccine please book your appointment and help keep everyone safe.
See the moment when Peter arrived for his vaccine: