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Disability vaccination hub’s closure angers Newcastle MP

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The closure of Newcastle’s only specialist disability vaccination hub has drawn criticism from local federal MP Sharon Claydon.

The clinic, based in the Life Without Barriers head office on King Street, was officially closed at the weekend by Aspen Medical.

As of Friday, those with a disability, their carers and support workers are no longer be able to secure an appointment at the vaccine centre, which is funded by the Australian Government. 

“I have many questions about Aspen Medical’s decision to withdraw from this location,” Ms Claydon said.

“It was the lone specialised vaccination hub for people with a disability in our region.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen just how vulnerable people with disability, their carers and support workers are to the COVID-19 Delta variant.

“Having a dedicated, specialist disability vaccination centre is essential if we are to overcome the multiple barriers that people with disability face when trying to get vaccinated.”

The Newcastle member said the Life Without Barriers hub played a critical role in the race to get more jabs in arms, with the King Street facility administering more than 4500 vaccines to people across the Hunter.

“We need a safe, accessible and secure vaccine hub dedicated to NDIS participants and their support workers to drive up vaccination rates for this priority group,” Ms Claydon said.

“I understand that Aspen Medical is looking for a new site.

“But, I’m yet to receive any assurance that there will be no loss of specialist disability vaccine services in Newcastle.”

Ms Claydon said the Morrison government owed the people of Newcastle answers.

“Will the Prime Minister and his team commit to maintaining a dedicated disability vaccine hub in Newcastle?” she stated.

“What is the government’s plan for a smooth and timely transition, so that NDIS participants and disability workers continue to get vaccinated at this critical time?

“Will next week’s vaccine appointments go ahead?

“How is the Morrison government communicating any of this information to people with disability, their families, carers and support workers?

“It’s time the Prime Minister levelled with our community.

“At the very least, these questions deserve an urgent response.”

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