Manchester City have offered access to the Etihad Stadium for the NHS to train staff operating the new Covid-19 mass vaccine centre nextdoor.
The site, at the Manchester Tennis and Football Centre at the Etihad Campus, has opened today to assist in the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines, and is initially open to people over 80 and healthcare staff by appointment only.
City previously offered help to NHS staff throughout the pandemic, with a huge drive-in testing site also set up next to the stadium. Now, the club has provided access to the Etihad Stadium for the training of nurses and staff who will operate the new centre. The Club will also support onsite operations for the duration of the vaccination programme.
The club has been working with the NHS and Manchester Council since April 2020, offering facilities at the Etihad Campus to aid the city's response to the pandemic. That includes offering a bespoke centre for rest, relaxation and exercise, site access for click and collect shopping and the drive-through testing centre.
Danny Wilson, the managing director of Manchester City Operations said: “These past months have been extremely challenging for the people of Greater Manchester and the confirmation that a vaccination centre will open at the Etihad Campus is welcome news for everyone.
“Over recent weeks the Club has worked closely with Campus partners to ensure the NHS has the support it needs to successfully deliver its vaccination programme and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Manchester with its long term recovery, as we have sought to do from the earliest days of the pandemic.”
Manchester City Council's executive member for adult health and well-being, Cllr Bev Craig, said: “Success in the battle against Covid cannot be achieved by working alone and we are very lucky to have such strong partnerships in the city that can pull together in times of crisis.
“Manchester City's support in ensuring the Etihad Campus is available as a mass vaccination site represents a significant step to moving back to normality - and a big thanks to the club for their cooperation during the pandemic.”
