AN INCREDIBLE effort from 500 people in Swindon has helped thousands of people around the town get protected against the deadly coronavirus disease.

The vaccination centre set up inside the Steam Museum’s Great Hall has given out more than 200,000 jabs over the last few months and past and present healthcare staff have volunteered their time to make this happen.

The Brunel Health Group has been operating the centre and wants to thank the 500 people who have made the programme such a success.

Vaccination manager Paul Miles said: “The skills, enthusiasm and selflessness of everyone concerned ensured that the concept of a mass vaccination centre could quickly become a reality.

“I and the rest of the management team can’t thank those involved enough. There has been some amazing teamwork and together we have completed a staggering 225,000 vaccinations.

“To run an operation from scratch on this scale we’ve needed input from so many people with different backgrounds – from nurses, pharmacists and doctors to IT specialists, administrators, cleaners and car park attendants.

“Every single person’s contribution has been essential to make the system work.”

Staff at the vaccination centre prepare

Staff at the vaccination centre prepare

The group of independent GP practices opened the vaccination centre at the museum in late 2020 before the Wyvern Health Partnership joined them in early 2021.

At first, the vaccination centre was run mainly by practice staff, many of whom still continue to work there regularly in between shifts at GP practices.

Then, over time, many other people and good causes have supported the vaccination effort.

Mr Miles added: “The people of Swindon have really stepped up.

“We’ve had retired midwives, nurses and GPs come back to help. Dentists, physios, paramedics, health care assistants, medical students and the military joined the team.

“Many charities, including the Rotary Club, the Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance have supported us with volunteers.

“Swindon Borough Council has kindly allowed us to use the museum and many of their staff have helped at the centre too.

“Some people have even switched careers to work regularly here, and have proved invaluable. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s contribution.”

the vaccination centre at STEAM

the vaccination centre at STEAM

Registered nurse Lisa Thomson said: “It is really lovely here, with really good team spirit. Some people who have retired after 40 years in the NHS have come back here and said it’s the nicest thing they’ve ever done.

“We get a whole range of emotions from patients – excited and relieved, or apprehensive and nervous, but it’s a great feeling at the end of the day that you’ve had a positive impact on a lot of people.”

Her colleague, pharmacist Siti Sydejala normally works at Elm Tree Surgery in Shrivenham. She added: “We had a great induction and training. We have developed new skills, and the atmosphere is lovely.

“It always feels very positive, calm and well organised. It’s a great thing to be doing.”

Staff at the vaccination centre explain how the vaccine works

Staff at the vaccination centre explain how the vaccine works

Patient Bebe Read, of Wichelstowe works on the front of house team at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. She has just had her second jab.

She said: “I’ve got some health complications, which is why I’m the last in my family to have it done, and it’s a real relief.

“The people here put me at my ease and were brilliant at double-checking the drugs I’m on and talking to me about side effects.

“Everyone being vaccinated today is doing their best to protect the NHS. I’ve got a vulnerable toddler with a lung condition so we’re all helping people like that by being vaccinated. It also means that if the NHS is protected, other procedures and operations can go ahead.”

Vaccinating a patient at the Steam Museum vaccination centre

Vaccinating a patient at the Steam Museum vaccination centre

Paul Miles and Matthew Stork plan and oversee the delivery of around 2,000 Pfizer vaccinations or up to 3,300 AstraZeneca vaccinations a day. The numbers are fewer on Pfizer days due to the 15-minute observation period required after the vaccination.

Paul previously worked as a depot logistics manager before the pandemic. He explained what his day-to-day work from 7am to 6pm involves.

First, the pharmacist and nurse dilute the vials to prepare the vaccines to give to patients.

He added: “At the entrance volunteers ask if the patients have any Covid symptoms and provide hand sanitiser.

“Administrators check their details then volunteers show them to a line to wait for their vaccine. We have up to 22 vaccination tables running, with a vaccinator and administrator at each one. When they run out of vaccine they place a green card on the table to show they need more. A runner takes a new tray of vaccines to their table and the card is turned to show red.

“It’s a very simple system – the card is simply laminated and stuck onto the inside of a kitchen roll holder to make it stand upright – but it works!”

If it’s a Pfizer jab, people sit and wait for 15 minutes. Staff watch over them and occasionally need to support any people feeling a little faint after the vaccine to lie down.

Nurse Lisa Thomson, left, and pharmacist Siti Syedjalal have the first trays of the day ready

Nurse Lisa Thomson, left, and pharmacist Siti Syedjalal have the first trays of the day ready

Vaccinating a patient at the Steam Museum vaccination centre

Vaccinating a patient at the Steam Museum vaccination centre