Overview

It was found through a staff survey that uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among staff at Peel Ports was low.

River pilots and seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels have faced obstacles receiving the vaccination and it was important that we protect their health to minimise disruptions to trade and global supply chains.

Phil Hall, Port Director at Peel Ports said: “Vaccinations will help to minimise the disruption on world trade and as a leading Port operator, we are deeply grateful to these unsung heroes for their relentless efforts and we must all work together to keep our industry, family, friends and colleagues safe.”

How we responded 

The manager of the Peel Ports occupational health service contacted Sefton Council with the suggestion of offering vaccinations on-site. We then worked with the Sefton Public Health Team to provide a pop-up vaccination site for the river pilots and seafarers at Peel Ports.

The vaccinations were provided by an NHS team led by Seaforth and Litherland Primary Care Network (PCN), a group of GP practices working together to provide local services and supported by NHS South Sefton CCG and Sefton Council’s Public Health Team.

Dr Sandra Oelbaum, clinical director Seaforth and Litherland PCN said: “Our team are proud of the role they played in ensuring that workers at the Port of Liverpool were given access to a vaccine, whoever their employer was and ensuring that those working in this gateway to the city and important world-wide trade link are kept safe.”

Outcomes

The clinic was huge success with 102 vaccines given over just three days and more vaccination clinics can be arranged in the future. 

Phil Hall, port director at Peel Ports said: “Maritime workers are an essential link in the supply chain and we are proud to be able to offer this service to our key workers, seafarers and river pilots alike.

“Vaccinations will help to minimise the disruption on world trade and as a leading Port operator, we are deeply grateful to these unsung heroes for their relentless efforts and we must all work together to keep our industry, family, friends and colleagues safe”.

“I’ve had my Covid-19 vaccination today because I want to get back to spending time with my family.”

The clinic was a resounding success as confirmed by Gary Doyle, Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports, who added: “The collective response and cooperation of visiting seafarers, our river pilots, boat crews and linesman supported by the exceptional advice of Port Health Liverpool and our own Occupational Health has been exceptional in helping to keep the ships moving during the pandemic.

This service provided to key workers is a tremendous recognition and appreciation of their efforts and reflective of the collective responsibility Peel Ports has towards fighting this pandemic.”