A joint initiative between the NHS and Hampshire County Council witnessed nearly 1,000 COVID-19 jabs and more than 300 blood pressure checks administered in a mobile health van journeying across the county.

The health vehicle, operated by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, was active from April, covering various parts of the county.

It offered residents a chance to attain health care without appointment bookings. From April until the end of June, during the national coronavirus vaccination drive, the van performed inoculations.

Dr Matt Nisbet, GP and Clinical Lead for the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: "It was great to see we were able to deliver hundreds of COVID-19 vaccinations to people much closer to their homes, making it easier for them to access healthcare.

"For lots of different reasons, we recognise it may not always be easy for people to get to a GP practice or to a community pharmacy, not just for vaccinations but also for support and information on a range of topics such as blood pressure checks, healthy weight and menopause support.

"People were also offered longer appointment times, which meant there was more time to talk to people about any concerns or questions they had."