The Duchess of Cornwall thanks volunteers at the Wembley Park vaccination centre

The Duchess of Cornwall, President of the Royal Voluntary Service, today visited Wembley Park vaccination centre to meet NHS Volunteer Responder Volunteers as well as NHS staff who have supported the vaccine rollout during the pandemic.

The Duchess thanked the volunteers on the frontline of the vaccination effort and spoke to those waiting for their jabs.

The centre in North London has vaccinated more than 16,000 local people so far. Stewards help on site by guiding people to make sure the vaccination process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They help ensure social distancing and identify people who need additional support.

The NHS Volunteer Responders scheme is delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service and the GoodSAM app and has answered more than 1.5 million requests for help throughout the pandemic.

This includes support with tasks such as shopping and prescription collection, transport to and from vital medical appointments and stewarding at vaccination sites. The volunteers also provide “check in and chat calls” for those who might be feeling isolated, something The Duchess of Cornwall has done herself.

Pippa Nightingale, Chief Nursing Officer for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Volunteers are a crucial part of the Wembley Vaccination Centre, and all vaccination centres across the country.

"They provide a friendly face to those who are coming for their vaccination and provide reassurance to those who might be nervous or unsure about where to go and what to do. They deserve all the recognition they get, and more.”