Female-only staff will deliver Covid-19 jabs to women during “women’s hour” and “quiet hour” will see lights dimmed and noise minimised to attract people who have sensory disabilities or autism.
The provider said “a lot of people can be put off” by walk-in clinics.
Women’s hour “is basically for women who may feel more comfortable in a female-only environment, be that for religious reasons, cultural reasons or just in general”, said Finn Nolan, outreach manager for South Worcestershire Healthcare.
He said all male staff would be taken off the floor for one hour a day and the centres would be female-only spaces.
The sites in Worcester, Bromsgrove and Malvern will also be running daily quiet hours to cater for people with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities or sensory conditions.
“We do see a lot of people that can be put off by lots of people or big centres,” Mr Nolan said. “If you are someone who suffers with sensory issues and you’ve got nurses and lots of hi-vis and face masks, it can be quite intimidating.”
The daily sessions will see the lights dimmed and patients will be given written information about the process rather than being spoken to by a number of staff.
I’m not convinced that people are turning down the jabs because of gender or noise. This smacks of desperation. The jabs were rolled-out a little over a year ago. Those who wanted them, got them.
They can make the experience as bespoke as they like, it won’t change the fact that the jabs are dangerous and unnecessary.