We couldn’t have done it without you! Westbury’s Covid vaccination staff and volunteers are thanked

WESTBURY’S White Horse Health Centre and Shaunak’s Pharmacy, who have been jointly carrying out the town’s vaccination programme, have praised their team of staff and volunteers who have made the process run smoothly this year. 

Deputy practice manager of the White Horse Health Centre, Marie Strachan said, “The Covid Vaccine Programme has been running from the surgery for a year now. Within Westbury and Warminster Primary Care Network we have delivered over 44,000 vaccines to the population of Westbury, Warminster and the surrounding areas.   

“This could not have been possible without the valuable input from our committed staff and volunteers, who have gone above and beyond to make this possible.  We are very grateful for their ongoing help and support as we continue offering the vaccine into next year.” 

Shaunak’s Pharmacy, which is based within White Horse Health Centre, has also been operating at full capacity this winter. Pharmacist Dara Hughes said, “We are so proud of our amazing volunteers. They ultimately are the heroes as they have given their own time, often in freezing conditions, to help with the service, both at White Horse Health Centre and also Shaunak’s. 

“We are currently seeing about 600 people per day on our peak days, and we are hoping to increase that cautiously. Of course, the clinic is not simply just about vaccinating people – there’s lots of work that goes unseen, such as booking in patients, the post vaccination observation, allowing space on site, the ever-challenging data entry, and we have a great team of volunteers to help support this.” 

Shaunak’s is currently fully booked throughout December, but have encouraged local people to find their nearest available vaccination centre, either by booking through the NHS online system, or by calling the NHS Covid 119 number. 

The White Horse Health Centre has also asked for those that can, to get their vaccination elsewhere, so they can focus on vaccinating those more at risk, who are unable to travel longer distances. With a government drive to get as many people vaccinated as possible, the White Horse Health Centre and Shaunak’s Pharmacy are looking ahead to January, and the next phase of vaccinations. 

Dara Hughes says that more volunteers are needed to help the programme, especially Covid stewards to help guide and support people through the vaccination site and process. He said, “Having a stable base of people willing to help will aid further increases of vaccinations and reduce the pressure on the existing team. We are already seeing new faces, but it would be great to see even more!”