LOCAL healthcare professionals have been thanked for their ‘tireless’ work after reaching the milestone of 1,000 vaccines a day.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western visited Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital in Heathcote Lane, Whitnash to see how the vaccine roll out was progressing.
The hospital, along with Lisle Court Medical Centre in Brunswick Street, and Stoneleigh Events Centre are being used as the area’s primary vaccination sites.
The MP met with local healthcare bosses who said regional targets are on track to be met.
He discovered staff are delivering jabs from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, and sometimes working later.
They are also visiting those who cannot get to hospital to vaccinate them in their homes, and have vaccinated residents at all care homes in Leamington except one.
Mr Western said: “I had the pleasure of seeing for myself the wonderful work our local NHS is doing to vaccinate residents against covid-19.
“Not only was it humbling to see so many working so hard for our region’s most vulnerable residents, it was also extremely moving to see the happiness on people’s faces after receiving the vaccination.
“The atmosphere in the waiting room and the camaraderie among staff and volunteers was truly uplifting – so much happiness and relief.
“Some residents hadn’t left their homes in months and were desperate for some assurance after what has been an immensely challenging period for so many. Other residents dressed in their best clothes to celebrate receiving the life-saving jab.”
Staff are calling for residents to wait to be contacted by their centre.
They have also issued an appeal for volunteers who can help ramp up vaccination efforts.
And Ollie Lawton, clinical director for north Leamington Primary Care Network said despite having the jab people must continue to follow coronavirus advice.
He said: “Although people have had the vaccine, it doesn’t mean you can be any less strict with your social distancing and infection control measures.
“Having the jab cannot result in us getting complacent, otherwise we will be in this mess a lot longer.”
