GP federation has given more than 100,000 lifesaving jabs across Crawley, Mid Sussex and East Surrey

In less than three months more than 100,000 lifesaving vaccines have been given across Crawley, Mid Sussex and East Surrey.
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GP Federation Alliance for Better Care (ABC) has given the doses across its sites in Crawley East Surrey and Mid Sussex. The huge milestone includes vaccinations that have taken place at all seven of ABC’s sites, as well as those administered by its roving team and mobile vaccination units.

ABC is committed to finding innovative ways to serve its communities and ensuring the vaccine programme is accessible to all, the federation said. Last week the team launched the second of its mobile vaccination units, working with community partners to address vaccine hesitancy and drive uptake in harder to reach areas.

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Amy Galea, executive lead for the Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Programme said: “Congratulations to the whole team at Alliance for Better Care, the Primary Care Networks and the GP teams working across these local vaccination services.

Alliance for Better Care Mobile Vaccination Service in partnership with MetroBus at Broadfield Mosque, Crawley. Broadfield Mosque team and community volunteers. Katherine Saunders Chief Executive 2nd right. Photo: Alliance Better for CareAlliance for Better Care Mobile Vaccination Service in partnership with MetroBus at Broadfield Mosque, Crawley. Broadfield Mosque team and community volunteers. Katherine Saunders Chief Executive 2nd right. Photo: Alliance Better for Care
Alliance for Better Care Mobile Vaccination Service in partnership with MetroBus at Broadfield Mosque, Crawley. Broadfield Mosque team and community volunteers. Katherine Saunders Chief Executive 2nd right. Photo: Alliance Better for Care

“This is a fantastic effort and this milestone is testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved as we work to roll out this vaccination across our communities – well done!”

In line with its goals - and to mark the achievement of reaching 100,000 vaccinations - the team has set up an ABC Unicef Covid Vaccine Fund and is inviting those who visit its sites to donate the estimated cost of a vaccine. The fund aims to support Unicef’s work with children and families affected by coronavirus, especially in countries with weaker health systems.

Dr Katie Spensley is clinical lead at ABC’s Clair Hall vaccination centre in Haywards Heath. she has been one of the driving forces behind the fund.

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She said: “We have all been affected in some way by the impact that Covid has had on us as individuals, families, employers, and a nation.

Saxonbrook Medical, Crawley. Left to right: Harriet Barker ABC Site Coordinator, Dr Hicham Nakouzi ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Rammy Osseiran ABC Site Coordinator. Photo: Alliance for Better CareSaxonbrook Medical, Crawley. Left to right: Harriet Barker ABC Site Coordinator, Dr Hicham Nakouzi ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Rammy Osseiran ABC Site Coordinator. Photo: Alliance for Better Care
Saxonbrook Medical, Crawley. Left to right: Harriet Barker ABC Site Coordinator, Dr Hicham Nakouzi ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Rammy Osseiran ABC Site Coordinator. Photo: Alliance for Better Care

“For those of us that live in a country with a robust health system, it can be easy to take this for granted.

“Thanks to NHS provision we are all in a position to receive our vaccinations for Covid in a secure, clean environment and in a robust system with effective technology, structured processes and adequate vaccine supplies.

“We chose to partner with Unicef to show our gratitude, and support their aim of ensuring that all countries participating have fair access to 2 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.”

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ABC hit 100,000 vaccinations less than three months after the team delivered their first vaccination clinic at Saxonbrook Medical Practice in Crawley on December 15. The GP Federation has since launched six more sites in Surrey and Sussex.

Leacroft Medical Practice, Crawley. Left to right: Charlotte Ruglys ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Matthew Cullis ABC Site Lead and Leacroft Practice Manager, Dr Ali Al-Batran. Photo: Alliance for Better CareLeacroft Medical Practice, Crawley. Left to right: Charlotte Ruglys ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Matthew Cullis ABC Site Lead and Leacroft Practice Manager, Dr Ali Al-Batran. Photo: Alliance for Better Care
Leacroft Medical Practice, Crawley. Left to right: Charlotte Ruglys ABC Site Clinical Lead, Katherine Saunders ABC Chief Executive, Matthew Cullis ABC Site Lead and Leacroft Practice Manager, Dr Ali Al-Batran. Photo: Alliance for Better Care

Dr Claire Fuller, Senior Responsible Officer for Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, added: “The vaccination programme is going from strength to strength and thanks to the dedication and determination of this team they are hitting this incredible milestone. Congratulations to the huge range of staff and volunteers who have made it possible.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abcunicefappeal

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