The British Armed Forces are Back in Stockport

26th March 2021

Members of The Royal Navy, Royal Marine Band, Royal Air Force and Army from across the country have arrived back in Stockport, for the next two weeks, to support the COVID-19 vaccination programme being delivered by NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group.

They make up The North West Vaccination Quick Reaction Force. This is a mix of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and vaccinators, all trained and fully briefed on the logistics of giving vaccinations in people’s own homes.

They will be working in partnership with the NHS by visiting people in care homes and housebound patients who need vaccinating. This is a return trip to the County for the British Armed Forces as they have already supported the local vaccination programme.

The team is led by Surgeon Lieutenant Commander James Watson supported by Sergeant Andrea Snape, Sergeant Lynsey McLeish, Band Corporal Peter Hume, Band Lance Corporal James Evans and Musician Finlay McCall.

Dr Cath Briggs, CCG Chair, said:

“The armed forces were a boost to our vaccination programme in its early stages and we are delighted to welcome them back for a second visit. It’s a great example of partnership working between the NHS and The British Armed Forces to help our most vulnerable residents get the vaccinations they need.”

Lieutenant Holly-Jane Thurgood, Regional Manager for the North West Vaccination Quick Reaction Force, said:

“We are honoured to work alongside our wonderful NHS partners, assisting them with unexpected changes, hard to reach locations and accelerating vaccination delivery particularly to our most vulnerable patients in care homes. The North West vaccination programme has, and continues to have, a significant positive impact across the region. It is a great example of teamwork and wonderful to see the NHS and military working side by side.”

The North West Vaccination Quick Reaction Force ready to vaccinate Stockport residents

From left to right: Sergeant Andrea Snape, Band Corporal Peter Hume, Band Lance Corporal James Evans, Surgeon Lieutenant Commander James Watson.

Also part of the team but not pictured are: Sergeant Lynsey McLeish and Musician Finlay McCall.