THERE was joy on people’s faces as they walked into Crediton’s Lords Meadow Leisure Centre for their Covid-19 vaccination today, Saturday, January 16.

The relief on people’s faces to get the first jab of their Pfizer vaccine was evident.

For some of the 1,000 plus people filing through the doors in the most efficient manner, it was the first time they had left their homes since the very first lockdown.

The vaccination centre was established after months of planning spearheaded by Dr Jo Harris, clinical director for the Mid Devon Healthcare Primary Care Network (PCN) and GP partner at New Valley Practice, and Michelle Freeburn, lead manager for the PCN and managing partner at Bow and North Tawton Medical Practices.

Dr Harris summed it up perfectly.

She said: "People are walking in with optimism and hope, embracing the community effort to get out of the dark place we have been in with Covid-19.

"Life is nothing without hope."

Dr Harris confirmed that the mammoth task, like a well-planned military operation, had been a lot of work, made possible by all the staff from the practices and PCN working extremely hard, supported on the day by a bank of volunteers.

Michele Freeburn, said: "I cannot thank the volunteers enough. Those who are helping us are from the Lions Club of Crediton, the Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface and the Crediton Town Councillors.

"I would also particularly like to thank the staff from Mid Devon District Council at the Leisure Centre who have been a fantastic support, especially Ben and Ed, who couldn’t have been more helpful.

"Hilary Smith, the assistant Practice Manager at the New Valley Practice, has also played a valuable part.

"She has sourced chairs from Sandford Parish Hall, wheelchairs from Age Concern Crediton as well as other items to make this work.

"We are welcoming the over 80’s here today, our first day, and patients will see staff and GP’s they know from their own practices.

"In addition to what is happening here today we have a team which is going out to all the care homes in the area and today or shortly, the housebound will also be visited to receive their injections.

"We are using the Pfizer vaccine here and those in care homes are receiving the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine (which is easier to transport)."Everyone who has come here today will be invited for their second injection at another time."

Michelle added: "It has been a real community effort to make this possible and I must also thank all the practice staff who are keeping the practices open as well as assisting here today."

Dr Harris added: "Partnership working has made this happen."

On arrival at the vaccination centre those invited for their first round of injections are welcomed at the door and shown inside.

Paula Martin, the PCN Well-being coach, chats to everyone and is another friendly face for those going along.

The patient then proceeds to one of the six areas where staff from the patient’s own practice welcome them and check their details before the person then proceeds to another area for their injection.

Following the jab the person then proceeds to an observation area to sit for 15 minutes to ensure the person has no side effects.

Paramedics from the PCN chat with each person in the observation area to check they are ok.

Charles Rowcliffe, of Crediton, who was 87 just two days ago, was vaccinated by Caroline Corfield, Practice Nurse at the New Valley Practice.

Mr Rowcliffe said: "I couldn’t wait to have the vaccination and I am really pleased to have had it done.

"Roll on April for the second jab."

Ben Dommett, Duty Manager, Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, said: "Mid Devon District Council has been really pleased to offer the centre for the local community and to support the heroes of the NHS."

On the "Crediton Courier" Facebook page, David Dickinson said about the vaccination centre: "It worked very well today! Good job to all involved."

Paul Green said: "Great effort today by all concerned.

"Fantastic to see local GP practice teams working together to deliver the vaccine.

"Huge thanks to all the other people and organisations who have helped set the centre up and run it. Hope you all feel proud - you should."

It is expected that the vaccination centre will operate at the leisure centre for some months to come.

Patients registered with Bow and North Tawton Medical Practice, Cheriton Bishop and Teign Valley Surgery, Chiddenbrook Surgery, New Valley Practice, Mid Devon Medical Practice and Wallingbrook Health Group will be invited for the first round of injections in each age category.

PRIORITY GROUPS

Covid-19 vaccinations are currently being delivered across Devon in phases according to priority groups identified nationally by the independent Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The priorities are not set by the local NHS.

There are four main things that people in Devon can do to help the NHS give the vaccine to as many local people as possible, as quickly as possible:

1. Stay at home

• The best thing they can do to help the NHS is stay at home as much as possible.• Every time you leave your home you risk coming into contact with an infected person or touching a surface or door handle or petrol pump which may be contaminated. Any one of these interactions could be a crucial link in the chain of transmission which could lead to someone becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid-19.2. When you get your call from the NHS for your vaccine, please take it up.

• The NHS will get in touch when it’s your turn to be vaccinated. You must ?attend your appointment.• To help the GP centres maintain social distancing, please don’t turn up early ?for your appointment. If you are early, wait in your car until your appointment ?time.• Don’t make things harder for the NHS by calling your local hospital or GP ?practice about getting the vaccine – the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn. Blocking phonelines with queries stops other people getting healthcare and diverts staff time, meaning the vaccine rollout will be slower.

1. Follow the government guidance:

• “Hands, Face, Space”.

• Act as if you have Covid, even after you’ve been vaccinated2. Use the NHS in the best way:

• Think 111 first or choose the right service for your needs: self-care, pharmacists, local minor injury services or your GP.