22nd November 2023
![Access and Information team](https://southerntrust.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Access-Information-Covid-Flu-350x263.jpg)
The successful collaboration of teams within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is a great example of how working together is helping to protect the housebound population this winter.
Within the Promoting Wellbeing Division, the Trust Vaccination and Access and Information teams have together demonstrated excellent partnership working as part of the roll out of the Autumn/Winter Vaccination Programme.
Ciara Sweeney, Manager of the Access and Information Service, said:
“To date 3008 referrals for COVID boosters and FLU vaccination for housebound and vulnerable patients within the Trust have been received and processed by the Access and Information team. This in turn has been implemented by the Trust Vaccination team who offer and administer these vaccines trust wide.”
Established in 2012, the Access & Information Service is a central point of contact for receipt and management of referrals (received via email, phone or communication information system) for a range of health and social care services for individuals over 65 years of age. Not exclusive to the over 65s, housebound patients aged 18-64 have also been able to access their vaccinations via this process.
Gerard Rocks Assistant Director of Promoting Wellbeing Division said:
“The success of the housebound vaccination programme is testament to our incredible teams and is truly a collaborative effort. I would like to say thank you to the Access and Information Service and the Vaccination team on maintaining this strong link between their teams and ensuring our housebound population are protected this winter.”