The vaccination hub in the Westridge Centre in Ryde has moved just metres away to a new and improved location in the former Waltzing Waters part of the building.
NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group and the North East Locality Primary Care Network (PCN), in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, have worked together to quickly bring the site online.
The former Waltzing Waters building has been completely renovated to provide people with a clinically safe and efficient environment in which they can receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
The new location officially opened on Thursday and is vaccinating people here, with the former site in the learning centre, now closed for vaccinations.
Dr Jo Hesse is a GP and North East Locality PCN clinical director, which covers Tower House Surgery, The Esplanade Surgery, Argyll House Surgery, East Cowes Medical Centre, St Helen’s Surgery, and Medina Healthcare, is pleased with the new site. She said:
“Moving into the former Waltzing Waters site is great news for us as we have a newly-furnished hub to work from which is bigger than our previous site.
“This further helps us to vaccinate as many people as we can and ensure we continue to vaccinate people with in a safe and efficient way.
“I am tremendously grateful to all my NHS colleagues, local authority colleagues and all those involved in setting this up so quickly.
Article continues below this advertisement “As with the rest of this vaccination programme, it’s always humbling to see how people come together and unite to get things moving as quickly as possible.”
The renovations at the site, which were carried out by Isle of Wight Council, include various repairs that were required, plus installation of new heating, CCTV, an alarm system, new hygienic flooring and wall lining and painting. In addition, there is provision of staff areas, works outside to ensure that people can more safely access the site and upgrades to the carpark lighting.
The GP-led vaccination services are focused on delivering the vaccine to those aged 80 and over, 70 and over and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Dr Hesse added:
“This work has been going extremely well and we aren’t far off from vaccinating all our patients that fall under the first four eligible government cohorts – that is over 80s, care home workers and residents, over 70s and those on the clinically extremely vulnerable list.
“Of course we would like to remind people that having the vaccination should not mean we can be complacent with doing all we can to slow down the spread of the virus
“Whether you have had the vaccination or not, you must still wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing.”
Had mine done today. Excellent service. Really quick. Well done all. 🙂
Had mine their yesterday. Very impressive organisation. Waited 2 minutes to check in and just about had time to sit down before i was called for my jab. Fantastic. Many thanks to all concerned.
Had mine yesterday. I’ve got congratulate all concerned on their slick efficiency. We’ve all seen the pictures of people in snaking queues so I went with some trepidation but it was nothing like that. Absolutely brilliant. Only one complaint, I didn’t get a lollipop.
Well done to all concerned Don’t forget Boris and Co
It is working really well and thanx to all those volunteers.
Had mine many thanks to you all
Had mine this afternoon. Was about 30 minutes early but was allowed to go through . Joined a queue and within about 7 minutes had my jab. Had to wait 15 minutes afterwards then sent on my merry way. From the entrance to parking and directed by brilliant Marshall’s to the vaccination area was first class. Top marks to all involved. By the way did anyone get involved or held up by a monstrous queue by people going into McDonalds before the Tesco Roundabout? Totally unnecessary- doesn’t anybody cook lunchtime meals for theirselves and family. Bloody chaos.
TBF don’t forget there is no parking in McDonald’s at the moment .. Most of those cars would of been parked in normal circumstances. Back on topic my uncle had his on Thursday he said it was fantastically well organised .. Well done everybody!
Agree with others it’s superb. To all those stewards outside today, I hope you had your thermal undies on