And so it begins … #Hope2021
The first vaccine clinics opened in Lichfield Cathedral tomorrow (Friday) – putting it at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic.
It is the first cathedral to host patient vaccinations.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, said: “The roll out of these new vaccines to immunise us against COVID-19 was the best news of 2021.
“It seems apt to use the Cathedral, not just because it is such a central focus of community life here in Lichfield, but because we can offer the huge space of the Cathedral nave to securely and safely host this local vaccination programme, and we are delighted to be offering this to our shared community.
“Lichfield Cathedral has a long history, dating back to its medieval beginnings, of being a space of welcome and healing for the community.
“We pray every day for our nation and community, especially for healing the sick and protecting the vulnerable. It’s only right we offer the Cathedral as a practical means for those prayers to be answered,’ he added.
The clinics are run by the Lichfield Primary Care Network who began setting up socially distanced immunising stations throughout the cathedral earlier this week and opened today for their first patients to receive the vaccinations. The medical team are supported by the Cathedral’s volunteers.
Salisbury and Blackburn Cathedrals are also now being used as COVID vaccination centres.
Photo Peter Walker
