Council Chair visits Covid-19 Vaccination Centre at Omagh Leisure Complex 

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong, recently visited the Covid-19 Vaccination Centre at Omagh Leisure Complex to see the work currently being undertaken for the roll out of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme.

Speaking after her visit, Councillor Armstrong spoke of the tremendous work being undertaken at the Omagh Leisure Complex by the Vaccination team.

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit the Covid-19 Vaccination Centre here at Omagh Leisure Complex, to witness at first hand, the excellent work of the vaccination team as they work to progress the roll-out of the Executive’s vaccination programme. I would like to thank the Western Health and Social Care Trust for facilitating my visits to Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has worked closely with the Western Health and Social Care Trust in establishing Vaccination Centres at Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the vaccination programme, the medical and support staff, some of whom have returned from retirement to return to help out, student nurses, Council staff and the numerous volunteers all of whom are key to ensuring that this mammoth logistical undertaking runs smoothly. I am incredibly impressed by the seamless manner in which the vaccination programme is being delivered here this afternoon. It is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the staff.

The Covid-19 Vaccination Centres are currently facilitating vaccinations for those in the aged 65-69 category and I would urge residents of the district in that age group and who haven’t yet received their first dose, to go online and book their Covid-19 vaccination. Booking can be made online at vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net or by telephone on 0300 200 7813.

From talking to some of the people at Omagh Leisure Complex today, I was struck by the sense of relief and the genuine positivity which they expressed at receiving their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. They recognised that the vaccination programme is very important as it provides a pathway to a brighter and better future for us and an eventual route out of restrictions and a return to a more normal way of life.

However, we are not there yet and I would encourage you to continue to follow the hands, face and space message and to adhere to the restrictions to ensure that we curb the spread of Covid-19 and protect the NHS and all the staff in the healthcare sector who have given so much, physically, mentally and emotionally, to ensure that we continue to receive a high level of care in the face of such extreme challenges.

I would like to place on record, my gratitude to all healthcare workers and their families for their dedication and commitment and I would appeal to all our residents to do everything in their power to ease the pressure on them.

We are stronger together and by following the guidance we can stay safe.”