Family doctors in Devon will begin giving the coronavirus vaccine to local people from today (Tuesday, 15 December), as the NHS continues its phased roll-out of the vaccination programme.
GP practices are working in groups to set up local vaccination centres for their patients, which will open in phases over coming weeks.
The first phase of GP-led vaccination centres in Devon will see the opening of eight sites serving 49 of the county’s practices.
But local people are also being reminded they should not contact their practice or hospital to ask about an appointment – the NHS will contact you when it’s your
turn.
As well as using NHS locations like GP surgeries and health centres, some local
vaccination centres are being opened in more unusual venues. In Devon, these specially adapted sites include Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre, The Staddy function centre in Plymouth, and the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.
The eight locations in Devon’s first wave of local vaccination centres will see nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff working alongside doctors to vaccinate people aged over 80 and care home workers, who have been identified as priority groups for a life-saving vaccination.
In Devon, the eight sites in the first phase are:
• Abbey Surgery, Tavistock
• Exmouth Tennis and Fitness Centre
• Limes Surgery, Exminster
• Okehampton Medical Centre
• Riviera International Centre, Torquay
• St Boniface House, near Buckfastleigh
• Seaton Community Hospital
• The Staddy function centre,
Plymouth
Simon Jolly, managing director of Riviera International Conference Centre, where patients from ten local practices are being vaccinated, said: “We were really happy to be able to put the Riviera International Centre forward as a venue for COVID-19 vaccinations. It’s an honour to be able to support such a vital project.”
Darryn Allcorn, Devon’s lead chief nurse, said: “We’re working seven days a week to make sure eligible people in Devon a vital vaccine as soon as possible.
“As a nurse I am proud to be part of this huge national effort to protect our patients against the virus and I would urge people in Devon to come forward when they are called up for the vaccine.
“I can reassure everyone that the NHS will be in touch with you when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. Contacting your local hospital or practice only slows us down as it takes up precious time and resources to respond to the calls.”
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us
