GPs have visited all older people’s care homes in the Cotswold district to carry out COVID-19 vaccinations

GP leaders have praised GP surgery teams, care homes and pharmacy professionals after a significant COVID-19 vaccination milestone was reached in the Cotswold district.

GPs have been into every CQC registered older people’s care home in the area with residents receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This represents a huge achievement by groups of GP practices and care partners working together in the local area (Primary Care Networks).

Dr Angus McMyn, clinical director for the South Cotswolds Primary Care Network said: “This is a great achievement, particularly when you consider how rapidly it has been done.

"Through this great collective effort, we have protected some of the most vulnerable people in our south cotswolds ‘family’ and practice teams are working hard, including weekends, to make sure that we work through the top priority groups as quickly as possible.

"The PCN has been vital in delivering this work as we could not have done it as individual practices so quickly.”

Dr Hywel Furn-Davies, clinical director for the North Cotswolds Primary Care Network said: “To have reached this point in such a short period of time is something for all involved to take great pride in.

"Providing vaccinations in care homes presents certain logical challenges given the nature of the vaccine, the environment and the importance of keeping people safe at all times.

"We are extremely proud of local GP surgery teams, care homes and a host of other health and care professionals in our primary care network area who have worked tirelessly over the Christmas and New Year period and throughout this month.

"We would also like to place on record our appreciation for the wonderful army of volunteers who have come out in all weathers.”

Gloucestershire is recognised as being at the forefront of the COVID-19 vaccination response.

Enormous progress has been made with vaccinating frontline staff, over 80s and care home residents and there is a real focus on vaccinating the other top priority groups over the coming weeks.

The county’s NHS moved fast to set up the Edward Jenner Vaccination Hospital Hub and a network of 10 community vaccination centres across the county in December, including the GP (PCN) led centres at Cirencester Hospital and North Cotswold Hospital, Moreton in Marsh. This was against the backdrop of winter and COVID-19 related pressures and the need to maintain vital day to day medical care and services.

GPs say they know that people are thinking of family members and many people in the other top priority groups are keen to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

The message is - please wait for your GP surgery/NHS to contact you – they will get to you as quickly as possible.