HRH, The Duke of Cambridge asks Barra charge nurse how the island vaccination programme is doing in surprise call

Prince William had a telephone conversation with Barra charge nurse, Frances MacNeil, last Thursday (February 18), to discuss her role as a vaccinator in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which Frances describes as ‘one of the most rewarding jobs I have carried out’. He also wanted to pass on his thanks to NHS Western Isles staff for all their hard work and efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Frances said that the conversation with the Duke of Cambridge was ‘very relaxed’ and she enjoyed speaking with him.

She commented: “Prince William was very knowledgeable about the vaccination programme and the geography of the islands. He asked about the logistics of getting the vaccine to the islands and how we were managing. We spoke a little about the challenges of unpredictable weather and reaching people in their own homes.

“He commented that of course so many of them had been unable to leave their homes during the past year because of the pandemic.”

She added: “I did mention to him that his grandmother knew Barra and Vatersay well as she visited on several occasions with her young family on the Royal yacht Britannia.”

Before the call ended, Prince William again expressed his sincere thanks to all NHS Western Isles staff and wished them well.