HUNDREDS of people are giving up their time to volunteer at Covid vaccinations centres to help NHS staff make the process as efficient as possible.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight partnership for Clinical Commissioning Groups has thanked those who are giving up their time to help administer the vaccine.

One of those is Hiro Fam, a restaurant owner from Basingstoke, who became involved with volunteering through Basingstoke Loddon Rotary Club.

He said: “In my perspective and experience, the volunteering programme is very organised. I have truly enjoyed myself and it is great to be able to contribute.

“As a marshal at the vaccination centre, I welcome, direct and assist all patients to the correct NHS staff. It gives me such joy to be able to help carry out this task. A simple good morning, a wave, and a kind greeting can make such a difference for the whole vaccination experience.

“I understand some of the patients have been indoors since the pandemic started and this must be a big adjustment for them to connect with the outside world again.”

Hiro has received his first vaccine and said he would encourage others to take theirs when it is their time.

“I can see that every day from the medical staff, local council, events coordinator and all the volunteers who are doing their best to give the most efficient, welcoming vaccination experience,” he said.

Hiro, whose restaurant is closed because of Covid-19 restrictions, has had to put his plans to open a second restaurant on hold.

However, he has also been helping the community by cooking meals and collecting prescriptions.

Hiro said: “My passion with food has inspired me to pursue a profession which allows me to explore cuisines and to run a restaurant business. I did not want to give up; therefore, I scaled down my restaurant dream to a private home cooking-cum-delivery business to be able to share my recipes and joy of cooking with others.

“During the pandemic I am fortunate enough to have lots of people around me that are supportive which keeps me positive. I was able to offer help to those in need and have been happy to collect prescriptions on behalf of people in my neighbourhood who have been unable to.”

Dr Tim Cooper, GP and vaccination lead for North Hampshire, said: “At the Hampshire Court Hotel we are administering vaccinations seven days a week and this would not be possible without our army of volunteers.

"From helping in the car park to administering hand sanitizer and ensuring our patients are in the right place at the right time, our volunteers are always there with a smile on their face to help everyone feel at ease.”

He added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Hiro and all the other volunteers who are giving up their time to help NHS staff to administer the vaccinations. I don’t think it would have been possible without them.”