Search questions

• Question by: Onkar Sahota
• Meeting date: 04 February 2021

Dr Onkar Sahota AM: I also am a GP and want to echo the comments about the tremendous efforts made by the NHS staff in delivering the vaccination programme, but there are challenges in London. If you look at the number of over-80s vaccinated, London had the lowest rate of vaccinations. If you look at the patchwork we have in London, I hear that some parts of London are more advanced than the others and I hear that some parts of London have been asked to slow down to let other parts catch up. There are some challenges. It is...

• Question by: Caroline Pidgeon
• Meeting date: 04 February 2021

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: I would like to start my questions with Martin [Machray]. I would like to ask you about the take-up of the vaccine amongst blind and visually impaired people. Some serious concerns were raised on the [BBC] Radio 4 In Touch programme last week and have been powerfully highlighted by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) relating to the challenges in accessing information and travelling to get the vaccine. In terms of getting the vaccine, I understand why places like the ExCeL centre are being used for vaccinations, but travelling when blind, at the best...

• Question by: Onkar Sahota
• Meeting date: 12 January 2021

Dr Onkar Sahota AM: Thank you, Chair. My question is to Martin. Martin, the NHS is in the “most dangerous situation in living history”, said the Chief Medical Officer [Professor Chris Whitty], and the “next few weeks will be the worst to come”, he said. Can you tell people listening to this what life is like on the NHS wards now? You said earlier on that we were able to increase our staff, but actually what is happening is that the staff have extended themselves. Previously we had one nurse looking after one patient in an ICU. We have four...

• Question by: Caroline Pidgeon
• Meeting date: 12 January 2021

Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM: Thank you very much, Chair, and thank you to all our guests for everything you are doing to deal with this terrible pandemic. My question is for Martin on the NHS. There are a large number of people in London who are not registered with a general practitioner (GP), particularly those from vulnerable groups. That could be rough sleepers, the homeless, vulnerable migrants and sex workers. Given individuals need to be registered to get the COVID-19 vaccination, how are you looking at reaching those individuals to ensure they have access to it at the right time?