Joyous patients are region’s first to get Oxford jab
PATIENTS over the age of 80 attending their scheduled outpatients appointments at Rochdale Infirmary became the first people in Greater Manchester to receive the new Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine this week.
The hospital’s Pharmacy team took delivery of the vaccine on Monday, January 4.
The team at Rochdale, part of the Northern Care
Alliance NHS Group, worked together at pace to plan in the appointments for appropriately identified patients who were already due to attend an outpatients appointment at the hospital, enabling them to be offered the jab at a time that was convenient to them.
Married couple George and Anita Pertoldi, from Wardle, were quick to take up the offer of the vaccine, after attending a scheduled clinic appointment last week.
Anita, who is also her husband’s carer, said: “It was a real surprise to be offered the jab today, but as we are here we didn’t hesitate for a moment.
“It really does feel like we are starting to get somewhere with this vaccine rollout and what a fantastic thing to be able to come to a straightforward appointment and be given this opportunity at our local hospital. It’s a real bonus.”
George added: “Why wouldn’t you go for it? It’s a fantastic opportunity and I am very pleased to be having it. Brilliant.”
Patricia O’Hara, 85, from Heywood, received her vaccine after attending the Ophthalmology outpatients clinic in Rochdale for a routine appointment.
She said: “I’m amazed that this has been arranged so quickly and efficiently, I really didn’t expect it to happen today, what a wonderful start to the year.
“After a very difficult time for everyone this is giving us a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
“Of course everyone has the right to choose whether to have the jab, but I would say to anyone that if they’re offered the vaccine it really is a no brainer as far as I’m concerned, in order to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.”
Rochdale Infirmary received a delivery of the newly-licensed Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines on January 4 and the team are now busy working with colleagues across the health and care system to ensure that priority groups including care home residents and staff, people aged over 80, and frontline NHS staff are able to receive it.
Sue Anderton, Divisional Director of Nursing for Planned Care including Vaccinations at Rochdale Infirmary said: “The rollout of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine is absolutely game-changing for our patients and staff here in Rochdale borough and more widely across our neighbouring communities. It gives us an additional tool in our armoury to help us protect people and prevent the spread of the virus, which is fantastic.
“Every patient has a personal story behind why they want to receive the vaccine, and it’s wonderful to be able to play our part in helping them feel safer and more secure.”