Ipswich buses driver Steve Harvey given The Suffolk Award for services to the community

A bus driver who has been supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme has been awarded a prestigious award for his service to the community.

Steve Harvey, who works for Ipswich Buses, has been given The Suffolk Award for his efforts from the beginning of the pandemic.

Mr Harvey has worked weekends and undergone additional training to become an on-board administrator and infection control lead.

Last March, Ipswich Buses converted one of its fleet into a mobile vaccination unit at no charge to the NHS. They stripped out much of the original interior and fitted the bus with electricity, perspex booths, a discussion area and a bed to treat patients who may feel unwell.

A second bus was added to the operation in September.

After being give his award by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Edward Creasy, Mr Harvey said: "I feel humbled and delighted. So many of us have been involved in this and I’ve met some fantastic people.

"I’ve really enjoyed it and the experience will stick with me my whole life."

The High Sheriff said: "Steve and Ipswich Buses have been an integral part of making sure that as many people as want it have access to the vaccine.

“It’s a fantastic facility which was freely offered and enthusiastically and sympathetically staffed by the drivers involved.

“It’s as good an example of the community helping out during the covid crisis as you can find.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the buses have driven the equivalent distance from Ipswich to Hong Kong driving around Suffolk and North East Essex. Over 320,000 vaccinations have been administered on board.

Head of partnerships and alliance delivery at Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG, Louise Hardwick, said: “Steve’s friendly persona helped bring our communities together and improve trust and understanding.

“I believe the Suffolk Award also recognises the significant increase in vaccine uptake as a direct result of this initiative and the clear commitment of Ipswich Buses to help keep our community safe and well.

“The buses gave us the opportunity to speak to our multi-ethnic communities, vulnerable adults and people in rural and deprived areas not just about the COVID-19 vaccine, but also about how they can access other services such as cervical screening and health checks.”