HOPES are high that vaccinations for Covid-19 in the Forest will start soon at a central clinic in Cinderford.

Invitations will go to patients to have the vaccine at spare rooms in the Cinderford Health Centre in Dockham Road, with the starting date still to be confirmed as The Forester went to press.

The Forest of Dean Primary Care Network, which is made of the 11 GP practices in the Forest, is working to implement the vaccination programme and have asked patients not to contact their surgeries.

A spokeswoman for the network said: “There remains some uncertainty about the vaccine delivery schedule that week so some patients may be called at short notice – this is yet to be confirmed.

“The vaccine will be offered out in the groups approved by NHS England with, for example, over 80s first.

“At this stage, patients will not be vaccinated at their own surgery – they must attend the clinic at Cinderford Health Centre, next to Co-op, at their pre-booked time and date.

“Patients will be invited to make two appointments 21 days apart and are urged to stick to these appointments and must be at least seven days after receiving the seasonal flu vaccine.”

Due to number of people to be immunised, patients are being asked not to arrive early for appointments, to park at Cinderford Rugby Club and to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask.

There has also been an “amazing response” to the recent appeal for healthcare volunteers to help with the programme, who are now being contacted, said the spokeswoman.

She said: “The clinic will be run by a care co-ordinator and a GP will be on site daily as well as the many volunteers to give the vaccines, provide administrative support and navigate the car park with those arriving.

“We are working closely with Cinderford Co-op, Cinderford Rugby Club and assisted by the local police and fire service.

“All have been very supportive and we thank them and our volunteers for their co-operation.

“The Forest’s GP surgeries will continue to operate as they are now, open to patients and continuing to offer online, telephone, video and face-to-face appointments.

“Patients are urged to follow the current process in place for contacting their surgery but if you have any Coronavirus symptoms please cancel all appointments either at your surgery or for your Covid-19 vaccine.

“Please do not come into a surgery or the vaccine clinic.

“Thank you to all our patients for their support during this busy time – please keep an eye on your surgery website or Facebook page for changing details and news updates in The Forester.”

* An earlier version of this story stated that the vaccinations would take place at the new Cinderford Health Clinic, which was incorrect. Doctors continue to remind patients that they should not turn up at their surgeries without a prior appointment.