10,000 vaccination milestone reached

FROME Medical Practice’s Covid-19 vaccination roll out reached a milestone moment on 18th February – delivering its 10,000th vaccine dose.

The vaccination roll out in Frome has also progressed with vaccines being offered to patients aged 65-69,  patients aged 16-65 with specific underlying health conditions that increases their risk of serious illness from Covid-19; and most recently, patients aged 60-64.

The practice reports, “Frome Medical Practice is very proud to be part of the overall Somerset Covid-19 vaccination programme, which earlier this week announced it had offered a first dose of the vaccine to the most vulnerable residents across the county. 

“This success has been replicated at Frome Medical Practice and the vaccination has now been offered to patients in the following groups: 

• All those aged 80 and over

• Those aged between 75- 70

• Those aged between 70-74

• People who are clinically extremely vulnerable 

• Eligible residents of care homes for older adults

“The practice is now inviting anyone from these groups who hasn’t yet been able to attend a vaccine clinic to get in touch to make their appointment. 

“Patients registered at the practice who are 65-69 are now being invited by the NHS for their vaccine, with the majority of these appointments taking place at a large vaccination centre or a pharmacy-led hub. 

“The practice is also in the process of contacting those aged 16-65 with specific underlying health conditions that increase their risk of serious illness from Covid-19, to offer them an appointment

“In Somerset, the latest published figures show that 146,379 vaccination doses were delivered up until 7th February. The team at Frome Medical Practice delivered its 10,000th vaccine dose last month, a milestone that the team is incredibly proud of.”

Tonya Samsun, who leads the clinician support services team, said, “This is probably one of the proudest moments in my 21 years at Frome Medical Practice. The enthusiasm and leadership to deliver the vaccine is second to none.  It is great to be part of this positive move forward, which for many of our patients has been life changing after such a difficult and often lonely year. It’s very uplifting to see so many happy faces on vaccine days!”

Frome resident Philip Goodland, aged 69, was the 10,000th vaccine recipient at the practice on 18th February. 

He said, “Having the vaccine means everything to me. My wife suffers from bronchiectasis, which affects her lungs and she is very vulnerable.  She had her vaccine last week. We have both been indoors since March last year. We are looking forward to a time when we can see family in the future and return to work.”

Karen Creffield, practice manager said, “Without doubt, this has been the most amazing team effort. We want to pay tribute to everyone at Frome Medical Practice who has made this happen, whilst continuing to run our normal day-to-day services. We have seen everyone pulling together and going the extra mile and we are thrilled that today we mark the administration of our 10,000th vaccine dose.” 

“We know there is still a great deal of hard work ahead as we continue to invite patients for their appointments. However, the feeling in the team today is very positive and the response from our patients and local community makes us feel enormously valued. 

“We know how anxious people still are to receive their vaccination, and ask that they continue to remain patient and wait for us to make contact. We will be in touch as soon as we can.”

The medical practice is now also contacting patients in the 60-64 year old age group to book them in for their vaccination appointments.

The practice says, “If you are a patient in this age group you might receive a text asking you to book your appointment, either by calling us or by booking online. Or one of our care navigators might call you. Please be patient as we work our way through contacting this group of patients.

“If you receive a text and do not wish to receive the vaccine or have already booked an appointment at a large vaccination centre, it is important that you still respond to this text in order to help us with our planning for future vaccination clinics.

“If you are in the 60-64 year old age group you may also receive a letter inviting you to a large vaccination centre for your vaccine. You can book with us, or with the vaccination centre. But please do not cancel/try to rearrange any appointments already made.

“If you are 16-64 with an underlying health condition but have not yet had an appointment it means we have been unable to contact you by phone. We have now written to you inviting you to make your appointment with us.

“If we have asked you to call us to make your appointment, please ensure you do this after 2pm as we need to ensure our phone lines are available in the mornings for other appointments/enquiries. Many thanks for your continued support and patience.”

For further updates on the vaccination programme at Frome Medical Practice please visit the website at fromemedicalpractice.co.uk or follow their social media pages. 

For more information on the NHS vaccination in Somerset please visit: www.somersetccg.nhs.uk/health/local-services/health-services-during-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccinations-in-somerset/

Picture: Philip Goodland and Dr Toci.