Following a successful inspection, an Alsager bar has been selected as a local Covid-19 vaccination centre.

The SMASH Care Community group, which helps coordinate community healthcare across the local area (Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager, Scholar Green and Haslington), is working together with Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Cheshire East Council to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination to their patients.

The Thirteen Club, on Cedar Avenue, Alsager, is now ready to receive and administer vaccines.

This means that SMASH will be contacting patients registered as Merepark, Greenmoss and Cedars Medical Centres to notify them of their first vaccination appointments very soon.

SMASH Primary Care Network (PCN) is made up of seven local GP practices, Merepark Medical Centre, Greenmoss Medical Centre, Cedars Medical Centre, Ashfields Primary Care Centre, Oaklands Medical Centre, Waters Edge Medical Centre and Haslington Surgery.

The care network is also aiming to get a second site ready "as soon as possible" for patients registered at Haslington, Ashfields, Oaklands and Waters Edge Medical Centres, and will contact these patients "once they are ready".

A spokesperson for Merepark Medical Centre said on their Facebook page: "The NHS recommends that the first vaccines will be offered to patients over 80-years-old, and patients in care homes.

"This is how we will be prioritising the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine. When it is your time to receive your vaccine, you will receive an invitation to come forward.

"Please do not turn up at the site unless you have an appointment, and please do not contact your practice to make an appointment, we will contact you when it is time. We will notify you as soon as we are ready to proceed."

Dr Neil Paul, clinical director for SMASH PCN, said: "We are very pleased that the vaccine is finally being delivered, this is the news we have been waiting for.

"Everyone has been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can deliver the Covid vaccination programme safely and effectively.

"It's important though to realise that vaccines will be limited to priority groups at this early stage. First invitations will go out to people aged 80 and above.

"While you are waiting for your turn, please continue to keep to the rules and follow the advice of 'hands, face and space'.

"We wish everyone the very best for 2021 and please keep safe."

If you would like to volunteer to help out at your local vaccination centre, or have further enquiries contact Denise.Smith@[email protected]