Vaccination staff hailed as centre hits milestone
The busiest NHS vaccination hub in Bath has marked its one year anniversary and paid tribute to its volunteers.
The Lansdown Vaccination Centre at Bath Racecourse opened in January 2021 and has delivered more than 230,000 vaccinations, including 51,000 booster jabs.
“It was a lovely surprise to receive a gift of flowers at the first anniversary celebration,” said volunteer Susanne Haslegrove of charity BANES 3rd Sector Group (3SG) who together with her colleagues Sean Harrington and Colin Blackman has worked over 280 shifts at the centre.
“I am honoured to have worked with the most amazing staff and volunteers at the Bath Racecourse vaccination centre as well as with the 3SG team. I greatly enjoyed all of my 100 shifts over the last year,” she said.
“I’m pleased I’ve been able to make a small contribution to such an important vaccine programme.”
James Carlin BEM, director of 3SG, said: “Our thanks to all the 3SG volunteers who attended the first anniversary celebration at Bath Racecourse and to those who received gifts following the event.
“We’d like to thank all volunteers past and present who have offered their time and support.”
Tributes were also paid to volunteers Martin Brennan, Alison Hooper and Peter Swales from St John Ambulance who have worked 230 shifts between them.
Karen Holman was named as the top vaccinator, having given an amazing 7,400 vaccinations at Bath Racecourse. This week Karen also celebrated 40 years of working in the NHS. Lesley Woodhouse was recognised as another champion vaccinator, delivering over 6,000 vaccinations.
“The Bath Racecourse centre plays a vital role in the vaccination programme for our community,” said Cara Charles-barks, chief executive at the RUH, “vaccinating everyone from 12 year olds through to those aged 100 or over.
“Setting up such a large facility was challenging,” said Cara. “A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved,” she said.
“It’s been a real team effort, including more than 1,000 volunteers from local charity 3SG, 400 volunteers from St John Ambulance and colleagues from Avon Fire and Rescue, Avon and Wiltshire Police Force, as well as Navy, Army and RAF support.
“We’re also really grateful to all those who have come forward for their vaccination, it remains the best way to keep yourself and others safe. If you haven’t got round to it yet, the friendly team at the racecourse are still there to provide your first, second or booster jab.”
Open 8am to 8pm and vaccinating on average 700 people a day, the centre recently stepped up to the challenge of boosting the community ahead of Christmas, vaccinating as many as 2,300 people a day in December.
■ Bath Racecourse vaccination centre remains open and offers walk-in appointments or you can book in advance using the national booking system: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ book-coronavirus-vaccination.