Hastings vaccine team appeals for extra support as latest figures are released

As of Friday evening (January 22), a total of 3,486 vaccines had been given at the centre, which is located on The Ridge. This is an increase of 736 from Tuesday evening (January 19). Vaccines were first administered at the Hastings Centre on January 9.

Revealing the latest figures on Monday (January 25), Jon Merrick, the manager of the Hastings and St Leonards Primary Care Network, a network of GP practices which are working together to provide Covid vaccines in Hastings, appealed for support from registered healthcare professionals who could join the team to administer vaccines.

He said: “The clinical workforce needed to deliver this service is supplied predominantly by the collaborating GP practices, however a core team of suitably qualified staff is being recruited, to relieve this pressure on local General Practice. Any qualified nurse, pharmacist, paramedic or other registered healthcare professional trained to carry out intramuscular injections should please contact [email protected] if interested in becoming part of the team.”

A number of Hastings and St Leonards GP practices are collaborating with the Covid-19 vaccine rollout at the Hastings Centre, opposite the Conquest Hospital.

This service provides for the entire population of Hastings and St Leonards.

The operation is following national guidelines and is currently offering vaccines first to those aged over 80 along with healthcare workers, and will then progress through the government-prescribed cohorts, in order. The vaccination service is accessible by appointment only and all patients will be contacted and offered a vaccine as quickly as possible.

At present, the centre administers approximately 1,200 vaccines per week and Mr Merrick said it is anticipated this will increase, with the increasing supply of vaccine, up to 3,000 injections per week.