Staff at the Port of Liverpool and seafarers from vessels all over the world have received COVID vaccines after Peel Ports teamed up with the local NHS. Tony McDonough reports

Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports has partnered with the NHS to offer COVID-19 vaccines to people working within the port and to seafarers from overseas.

Peel invited NHS South Sefton CCG and Sefton Public Health Team into the port to set up vaccination clinics for its staff and those of other businesses working within the port as well as seafarers on vessels calling in to Liverpool from all over the world.

The clinics offered first and second dose jabs. Phil Hall, port director at Peel Ports, said: “Maritime workers are an essential link in the supply chain and we are proud to be able to offer this service to our key workers, seafarers and pilots alike.

“While we have had one of the most successful vaccination rollouts nationwide, not everyone has had the same level of access to vaccinations compared to those living in the UK.

“Pilots and seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels are one such group that have faced obstacles receiving the vaccination and it’s important that we protect their health to minimise disruptions to trade and global supply chains.

“Vaccinations will help to minimise the disruption on world trade and as a leading port operator, we are deeply grateful to these unsung heroes for their relentless efforts and we must all work together to keep our industry, family, friends and colleagues safe.”

Over the summer there has been a peak in COVID infections, particularly in the North West. Although hospitalisations and deaths have been much lower this time due to the vaccine roll-out, there has still been a rise in both numbers.

The clinic has been hailed a success with 102 vaccines administered over three days. More vaccination clinics are planned for the week starting August 16.

The vaccinations were provided by an NHS team led by Seaforth and Litherland Primary Care Network (PCN), a group of GP practices working together to provide local services and supported by NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Sefton Council’s Public Health Team.

Dr Sandra Oelbaum, clinical director Seaforth and Litherland PCN, said: “Our team are proud of the role they played in ensuring that workers at the Port of Liverpool were given access to a vaccine, whoever their employer was and ensuring that those working in this gateway to the city and important world-wide trade link are kept safe.”