HCPC has submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, as part of its inquiry into preparations for potential COVID-19 vaccines.
NHS England has calculated that it may need up to 46,000 staff consisting of 26,000 vaccinators and 20,000 administrative staff to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme based on a 75% take-up rate. HCPC’s submission aims to reiterate the resources available to governments in each of the four nations, to help administer the vaccine.
HCPC has consistently highlighted the role which our registrants can play in the roll- out of the vaccine. Our message is simple: Many of HCPC’s registrants have the ability to play a crucial role in the roll-out of the vaccine throughout the UK.
It is clear that governments must use all the resources available in order to maximise the impact and effectiveness of the vaccine roll-out. This may mean the vaccine roll-out reaches those who are unable to attend hospital settings, often among the most vulnerable in society.
The NHS has recognised the role that primary care has to play, but it must also involve all health and care professionals already able to administer prescription-only medicines, as per established legal controls, such as Independent Prescribing rights, Patient Group Directions or Occupational Health Schemes.
With tens of millions more vaccines needed to be administered, as quickly as possible, continued clarity about how, and which, health and care professionals are able to assist in the delivery is crucial.
We encourage the governments and the NHS in all four nations to make use of all HCPC professionals, who are suitably trained and supported to do so, in order to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the vaccine.