Wednesday 28 April 2021 marked a major milestone for the primary care teams who have been providing Covid-19 vaccinations to patients in the Harrogate and Rural District.
We are extremely proud to have given 100,000 vaccines to our local community both on site at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and Ripon Racecourse, as well as bringing vaccine to those who are housebound or homeless, including every one of our local care homes. This fantastic achievement has been made possible thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the 17 GP practices working together, as well as a myriad of local and community organisations and individuals. Moss Healthcare have been pleased to play our part in this by regularly supplying Nurse vaccinators, GP Leads, Admin & Reception people as well as Duty Managers.
The vaccination programme has been the biggest ever collective challenge in the history of primary care and, what first seemed an impossible task, was rapidly turned into a hugely successful campaign with all people aged 50 and over offered an appointment for their first vaccine ahead of the nationally set deadline of 15 April. The achievement of 100,000 doses is testament to the hard work and determination of all involved to reach this fantastic figure.
Dr Ian Dilley, member of the Covid-19 vaccination steering group said, “As we take a moment to celebrate this monumental achievement we would like to thank all those who have been involved, without whom this endeavour would not have been possible; our resilient workforce of practice staff and staff returning from retirement; our tireless volunteer marshals who have made the patient experience so seamless, enduring often grim weather conditions with a smile; the local organisations who have donated goodies to our staff teams; Transdev bus company who have provided a free shuttle service to the Showground, and to our kind hosts at Yorkshire Events Centre and Ripon Racecourse who have worked with us to ensure the best possible environment for our vaccination efforts. A huge thank you to all involved”.
As the local team celebrate the 100,000 landmark at the centres with donations from local companies to the dedicated staff and marshals working at the sites, the programme proceeds to build on existing momentum as the vaccinations continue over the forthcoming months to ensure all adults are offered their first and second doses.
We encourage everyone offered the vaccination to come forward when they are invited. We also urge patients to attend for their second dose when called to ensure that they benefit from the maximum protection that the vaccine has to offer.
