The three new sites are the Sturminster Newton Medical Centre, The Digby Hall and the Whitecliff Surgery. Sites have been developed by primary care networks (groups of local GP practices) who have worked together to develop detailed plans to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in their wider community locations. Primary care networks have been working round the clock to rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to deliver vaccines. Dr Simone Yule, a GP and Clinical Director for the Blackmore Vale partnership, said “I am delighted and relieved that we can start the new year with such good news for people in north Dorset and am delighted that we can begin to offer those who are most at risk their vaccination to protect against Covid-19.
People aged 80 and over as well as care home workers will be amongst the first to receive the vaccine. Vaccinations are being delivered according to priority groups identified nationally by the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Dr Karen Kirkham, GP, Clinical lead for the Dorset Covid-19 vaccination programme, and Assistant Clinical Director of NHS Dorset CCG, said: “We understand that there is a lot of interest in the Covid-19 vaccination programme and would like to reassure everyone that we are working extremely hard to deliver vaccines in line with the national guidance, so those people who are most at risk get theirs first.
Miriam Medical Centre has completed three rounds of vaccinations over the past two weeks. A further round of vaccinations for patients commenced on New Year s Day and will carrry on over the weekend. By close of play tomorrow, 5,000 people will have received their first dose at the medical centre. The Miriam-led service is for patients registered with Arno Primary Care Alliance and North Coast Primary Care Network. Staff have vaccinated residents and staff in all care homes under their care and also four care homes in Moreton. A message on the Miriam Facebook page said: From Monday 4th January, we will commence giving the second booster dose for those who were vaccinated three weeks ago.