A UK first this autumn will see staff at four nursing homes in Barrow deliver Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to their residents and fellow staff.

The trial is being led by NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board in partnership with Risedale Nursing Homes group.

Carole McCann, lead nurse for the Lancashire and South Cumbria vaccination programme, said: “We are delighted to trial delivering Covid-19 and flu vaccines in this way to a very vulnerable group of people and the workforce that supports them.

“We have a nursing workforce right there in nursing homes which is best placed to vaccinate the residents. By providing additional training, residents and staff will be able to access a vaccination at a time and place that best suits their needs.

“Many people may be living with dementia or other long-term health issues. We hope the vaccine being given by a member of staff who is familiar to them and who knows their unique needs will improve their vaccination experience.

“This will also support the local primary care teams who will have some valuable time back to focus on other vital health needs within their GP practice.

“We also hope that by providing the vaccines to homes to be delivered at their convenience, we can encourage uptake of the vaccine among staff.”

Barbara Johnson, director of nursing at Risedale Nursing Homes, said: “It makes perfect sense for our staff to be given the training to deliver these vaccinations themselves, further enhancing the relationship between staff and residents and freeing up vital NHS resources.

“We are pleased to be the first nursing homes in the country to do this and hope we can set a real precedent for the rest of Lancashire and South Cumbria and indeed the UK.”