The St John Ambulance Guernsey charity is pleased to be working with Public Health to provide alternative transport for anyone with an appointment for the Community Vaccination Centre (CVC), who is unable to get there.
St John has a team of volunteer drivers available to transport patients to and from the CVC in line with the latest government guidelines. All the necessary safety and infection control measures are in place to ensure you are not put at risk. The same driver will collect you and drop you home.
To request a St John volunteer driver please call St John Ambulance Guernsey on 01481 727129 or email transport@stjohn.gg
The States of Guernsey has said islanders should not use the scheduled bus service to get to and from the CVC.
Nikki Harrison CEO of the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity said: Transporting patients is something St John has lots of experience in. Our volunteers are ready to help anyone who is unable to get to the Community Vaccination Centre by other methods of transport. The volunteers have all the relevant PPE and are following the latest guidance. I’d like to thank the volunteers who have come forward to provide this service.”
“This is another example of how the St John charity is supporting the community at this difficult time. We are also providing a delivery service for anyone who is unable to get urgent prescription medication or groceries and the Caring Caller line for anyone who feels they would benefit from a friendly chat,” Mrs Harrison added.
The States of Guernsey has clarified that you are allowed to leave your house to have your vaccine and then return home, in the same way as you can leave your house for urgent medical treatment. The message from Public Health is, providing that you are feeling well on the day, it is important that you attend the centre and have the vaccine. The CVC has been designed to ensure infection control measures are in place and there is 2-metre social distancing throughout.
The recommended forms of transport are:
- You can drive yourself
- A member of your household can drive you
- A friend or family member (not from your household) can drive you. You must both wear masks. You must sit in the back seat with the windows open.
If none of the above options are available to you then it is also possible to make use of the following services:
- St John has a pool of volunteer drivers who can arrange to pick you up and drop you home. All the necessary safety and infection control measures are in place to ensure you are not put at risk. If you wish to use this service, please call 727129 or email transport@stjohn.gg
- You can book a taxi to pick you up, wait for you outside while you are in the CVC, and then deliver you home. Standard taxi charges will apply for this service. Again, all the necessary safety and infection control measures are in place.
If you are feeling unwell on the day of your appointment, please call 707607 to discuss your situation. Please do not attend the CVC if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms.
(Photo: States of Guernsey)