‘Every jag is a step closer to normality’
Pride as Dewars Centre becomes vaccine hub
It was the night before the doors opened to the public and it signalled both an emotional and proud moment.
The NHS staff member, who is clinic lead for the Dewars Centre operation, was ready to welcome thousands from across the region for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
A venue commonly known for curling stones drifting down the ice and bowlers angling in their approach shots, the scene was transformed into a sea of socially-distanced chairs and tables for its February 5 start date.
NHS Tayside, Perth and Kinross Council and Live Active Leisure, with support from the army, worked tirelessly to make sure the facility was up and running as quickly as possible.
“There was certainly an air of excitement when we were setting up with our colleagues,” Ms Gunn told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“Walking along the street the following morning and seeing the ‘vaccine centre’ road signs gave a sense of pride. First through the door was a lady - and she got emotional.
“I’m not scared to admit that I got emotional seeing everyone come through the door. People have been waiting for this and see it as light at the end of the tunnel.
“I will be honest, I have been in the NHS a long time - about 26 years - and this is probably going to be the most important thing I will ever do in my career. I carry that with me every day.
“I know every jag my team gives is a jag closer to us getting back to some sort of normality.”
Those receiving the vaccine are met on arrival, provided with a fresh face mask, instructed to sanitise their hands and checked-in after a thorough safety briefing. They are marshalled through to the main hall to receive the vaccine.
Awaiting to administer the vaccine are doctors, nurses, dental nurses, dentists, podiatrists and a range of other qualified individuals. This really is a team effort.
“Everybody feels they are doing something important and that this is our way of getting back to some sort of normality,” added Ms Gunn.
“Every single member of staff who is in this centre at any one time is absolutely proud of what they are doing.
We will be here as long as we are asked - and we are more than happy to be here.”
More than 10 inches of snow and freezing temperatures failed to halt the smooth operation last week.
Dr Stuart Johnston is deputy clinic lead and he, too, is mightily proud to be involved in such a historic and unprecedented vaccine rollout.
In the first six days, 2353 people from the region received the vaccine at the facility.
“This has been a great team effort,” Dr Johnston explained. “Marshalling, front door staff, car parking and clearing of the snow have all been done by the council.
“We have had wonderful help from the Dewars staff in terms of setting up, daily support and access
Karen Gunn, clinic lead at the Dewars Vaccination Centre, Alan Farnington, Perth and Kinross Council’s centre manager for Dewars Centre, and Debbie Scott, senior facilities manager for Dewars Centre with Live Active Leisure to all of their IT facilities. Setting this place up, I said to the whole team that, in my 40 professional years as a doctor, it was without doubt one of the absolute highlights of my career. Phenomenally rewarding.”
The vaccination centre will be in operation for as long as required. Ms Gunn has thanked the Perth and Kinross public for their positive attitude and kindhearted nature through the process so far.
“Everyone we’ve had has been so grateful,” she said. “You can see people visibly relax because they know that is the first one done.
“We’ve had a lot of people saying thank you and that makes us happy. We know we’re doing the right thing for the people of our community.
“Most of us live in Perth and Kinross, our families live in Perth and Kinross. This is our community and we’re doing what we can.”
This is probably going to be the most important thing I will ever do in my career
Karen Gunn