HEALTH chiefs have vowed to open a pop-up vaccine centre in Alton by the end of January following a public outcry.

Alton’s over-80s population has, since December, been forced to negotiate a 32-mile round trip to receive their vaccines at the Hampshire Court Hotel in Chineham.

This has presented significant difficulties for those without their own transport, as well as ramping up the pressure on volunteer-driver groups such as Alton Community Care, at a time when they have a depleted pool of helpers.

However, after the Herald raised the concerns of readers upset at the lack of a dedicated Alton centre this week, GPs have announced fresh plans.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and the clinical lead for business and partnerships at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of NHS clinical commissioning groups, said: “We are talking with Damian Hinds, and councillors, about how we can start to deliver a vaccination service in Alton, and we appreciate their support in helping us to find the best possible option.

“We are already giving vaccines to people in local care homes in line with priority groups guidance, and will soon do the same for those who are housebound as well, but we are committed to going further.

“By the end of January, everyone in England will be within ten miles of a vaccination site or, for a small number of highly-rural areas, the vaccine will be brought to them via mobile teams.

“This will mean every at-risk person has easy access to a vaccination centre, regardless of where they live.”

The Herald’s call to open an Alton vaccine hub was backed by MP Mr Hinds and Alton county councillor Andrew Joy this week (see Page 3 of this week’s Herald).

And pending delivery of the new town hub, the Alton & District Community Resilience Fund has this week launched an appeal to fund and support groups looking to assist those invited for vaccines, but unable to travel to the other side of Basingstoke.

It said: “ADCRF is looking to provide funds to cover the costs of fuel and drivers as part of the local call for transport support. The fund is particularly looking for any groups who have access to a minibus which is currently not being used because of the lockdown and could be utilised to take small groups of residents for their vaccinations.

“If a recognised group would like to organise a fleet of drivers, Bill at Alton Community Care has offered to advise co-ordinators. Email him at [email protected]

“If any individuals want to join Alton Community Care as a driver, then please go to the website www.altoncare.org.uk”

All drivers will need to meet basic criteria and provide paperwork including details of their car insurance. ADCRF application forms can be found at the town council via the website www.alton.gov.uk or telephone 01420 83986 to request a paper copy.

* Read more about the Covid vaccine rollout locally in this week’s Herald