Hundreds vaccinated in Lancing and Sompting as site gets up and running

Vaccinations started in Lancing on Saturday after ‘multiple challenges’ in getting the service set up.
Staff and volunteers at Lancing Parish HallStaff and volunteers at Lancing Parish Hall
Staff and volunteers at Lancing Parish Hall

Hundreds of residents over the age of 80, as well as care home residents and staff, have now received their first dose of the vaccine, with staff administering 1,406 jabs over the first three days alone.

Vaccinations are taking place at Lancing Parish Hall as none of the GP surgeries in the village were large enough to accommodate patients for the required 15-minute waiting period after the jab.

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Rachel Ramdin, the Primary Care Network Manager for Lancing and Sompting, said this added ‘many complexities to the set up’.

Staff and volunteers at Lancing Parish HallStaff and volunteers at Lancing Parish Hall
Staff and volunteers at Lancing Parish Hall

The service is being operated and managed by Ball Tree Surgery and New Pond Row Surgery but is covering all residents in Lancing and Sompting, including those registered at The Orchard Surgery.

Dozens of people have been involved in the mammoth task of preparing the hall and ensuring the vaccination process runs smoothly.

Dr Ramdin said: “We have a lot of people to thank for assisting us in getting set up.

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“The West Sussex NHS Clinical Commissioners have been really supportive with the multiple challenges we have faced and have volunteered their time on site and remotely.

The set up at Lancing Parish HallThe set up at Lancing Parish Hall
The set up at Lancing Parish Hall

“The community of Lancing and Sompting have been amazingly supportive and the 90 people who are assisting with stewarding and refreshments.

“Keith and Gill Gallis, local residents who volunteered to co-ordinate the stewards, which is a huge task!”

In an update on social media, a spokesman said that all those over the age of 80 will have been invited for a vaccination by the end of this week.

Staff will then move on to the over 75’s cohort.

At least 360 appointments will be booked in each day.

Residents should not contact their surgery but wait to be invited for an appointment.

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