UNABLE to show movies during the statewide lockdown, Majestic Cinemas Nambucca Heads has become the base for the town’s vaccination clinic.

Nambucca Healthcare Centre, which administers vaccines through Nambucca Respiratory Clinic, had been operating its vaccination clinic from the Nambucca Plaza carpark on Giinagay Way until late August, when a forecast for “some extremely wet and windy weather” prompted Practice Manager Sheree Smith to get creative.

Smith approached Majestic Cinemas seeking a temporary base indoors, and was pleasantly surprised by the response from Chief FInancial Officer Jeanette Bailey.

“When I enquired with Jeanette she was more than willing to offer her facility.

“She then went on to say we were welcome to use it during the remainder of lockdown, and then when lockdown was extended she extended her offer,” Smith said.

“This provides additional capacity as well as improved conditions for staff and patients, especially during inclement weather.

“We thank Jeanette and her team for their generosity, and encourage everyone who uses this service as well as the wider community to support the cinema when restrictions ease, in recognition of their support.”

Nambucca Respiratory Clinic had administered 5,557 vaccines at the time of going to print and the vaccination service continues to operate from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Covid-19 testing continues to be available from 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday, through the old KFC drive-through near the plaza.

The current turnaround time for test results is 48-72 hours.

To check your eligibility for the vaccines, use the government’s online Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker and, to book a Pfizer or AstraZeneca at the Nambucca Respiratory Clinic, visit nambuccahealthcarecentre.com.au/book-online.

 

By Brooke LEWIS