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Ross-shire MSP Gail Ross says sticking to rules 'a sacrifice worth making' as Covid-19 vaccine roll-out begins


By Alan Hendry

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Dr Jonathan Whiteside, clinical lead for critical care with NHS Highland, was the first person to be vaccinated within the health board area. Maureen Sutherland administered the vaccine at Raigmore.
Dr Jonathan Whiteside, clinical lead for critical care with NHS Highland, was the first person to be vaccinated within the health board area. Maureen Sutherland administered the vaccine at Raigmore.

ROSS-SHIRE MSP Gail Ross has told her constituents that sticking to the rules will be "a sacrifice worth making" this Christmas as the Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out.

She said the introduction of the Pfizer BioNTech jab gives hope and reassurance but warned that the process will take time and urged the public to be patient.

Mrs Ross, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, was speaking after the first group of frontline healthcare workers in NHS Highland received the vaccination.

“I’m delighted to know that we are now moving into a position in the very near future where a vaccine will be made available to our most vulnerable citizens here in the north," she said. "I hope that this reassures people and their families and gives people hope that the restrictions and hardships that many of us have been through will soon be coming to an end.

“We must all still stay safe until such time as the vaccine is widely rolled out, though. This process will take some time and I would urge everyone to be patient and stick to the rules.

"The last thing that any of us want to see is another rise in infections before the end of winter. The festive period this year will be very different for many of us, but sticking to the rules and restrictions will be a sacrifice worth making to ensure we protect our vulnerable friends and family.”

Jamie Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, warned that "we cannot afford to drop our guard" over the virus.

"Covid has been the most serious challenge of all our recent lives," he said.

"The stress placed on people living in the far north has been massive – and they have been incredibly patient and caring for others. As an MP, my staff and I have witnessed kindness and generosity that is truly inspirational.

"Now at long last we see the vaccine being rolled out. This is just so welcome. It means that we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. It is the perfect Christmas present.

"The dedication of our NHS staff has been exceptional during these dreadful times. So too have other frontline workers who have gone above and beyond to make our lives as easy as possible.

"But we cannot afford to drop our guard. The virus is still out there and it will take time until all the most at risk are vaccinated.

"We must also learn from the pandemic – what we did wrong and what we did right. That way we will be better prepared should another pandemic be upon us."

Senior charge nurse Gwen Calder, from critical care at Raigmore Hospital, receiving the vaccination.
Senior charge nurse Gwen Calder, from critical care at Raigmore Hospital, receiving the vaccination.

The first Covid-19 vaccinations within NHS Highland were administered on Wednesday.

Director of public health Dr Tim Allison said: "The vaccination programme is a huge exercise and will continue well into next year, but I am delighted to say that it has started within NHS Highland.

“Initial groups that will be vaccinated across NHS Highland will include care home residents, healthcare staff and social care staff who are most at risk of Covid infection. The programme will be scaled up as more vaccine is delivered.

“This is great news, but we must remember that the vaccine alone is not enough to combat Covid and there are still cases in our community.

"We need to continue to follow the Covid guidelines such as keeping a two-metre physical distance, washing our hands and avoiding meeting with other households inside our own homes, with the exception of the five days at Christmas where up to eight people aged over 12 from three households can meet.

“Sticking to the guidelines and taking up the offer of vaccination when that comes are the best ways to remove the threat of Covid."

Dr Jonathan Whiteside, clinical lead for critical care at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, was the first person in NHS Highland to receive the vaccine.

“I trust the science," Dr Whiteside said. "I have been a doctor for 25 years and have always trusted the medicine regulators to provide safe and effective treatment. I see the Covid vaccine as no different.

“Working in ITU [intensive therapy unit] our patients are at significant risk of respiratory pathogens. The worst time for this is during the winter, particularly January and February, and by getting the vaccine, and the subsequent dose in three to four weeks’ time, we have the best chance of being protected for the winter period.

“The only way to achieve herd immunity is through a mass vaccination programme which will protect staff, our patients and our families. I would encourage all those offered the vaccine to take it.”

NHS Highland vaccinator Maureen Sutherland said: “I feel honoured to have been asked to give the first Covid-19 vaccine in NHS Highland. I feel proud to be part of the team that will be delivering the vaccine going forward.

“I am very grateful to the extended team who have worked very hard to get the service up and running so that vaccinators can deliver the vaccine safely and efficiently.”

Earlier this week it emerged that the Covid vaccine will be stored at Caithness General Hospital, along with Raigmore and Fort William's Belford, as the roll-out starts across the region.

Highland GP Iain Kennedy, the secretary of the Highland Medical Committee, said GPs were keen to be involved in the vaccination programme and were likely to play a role from January.

The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine needs to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures as low as minus 70C.

Related: POLL: Will YOU take the vaccine when it becomes available?


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