A DOCTOR has said a GP surgery in Dorchester is vaccinating up to 120 people an hour at its busiest time.

Dr Jenny Bubb said 12,000 people have received the first of two Covid-19 vaccinations at the The Atrium Health Centre in Weymouth Avenue after the centre launched its mass vaccination programme on January 16.

On its busiest day, the centre saw a total of 1,380 people receive the vaccine, according to Dr Bubb, who is clinical director for Mid-Dorset Primary Care Network.

The centre still needs to provide the vaccine to its remaining 36,000 patients across its network - with attention now turning to the age group of 65 years and over.

Dr Bubb said: "It's just over four weeks ago since the centre launched the vaccine programme.

"Within that time 12,000 patients have received their first Covid-19 jabs."

The centre was chosen to distribute the Pzifer vaccine due its central location and has taken on patients from eight other GP practices from the Dorset Council area.

Dr Bubb said the clinic has gone 'very well' and vit has seen a lot of help from volunteers.

"The biggest challenge we've faced so far is coordinating patients from the nine practices across Dorset."

Dr Bubb said 60 patients are receiving the vaccine per hour throughout the week, but during the weekend - when more space at the centre is available - staff are vaccinating 120 patients per hour.

The vaccine has a 'shelf life' of three days according to the Atrium's Dr Tom Riddington.

Dr Bubb said: "We're limited on supply of the vaccine. It's challenging getting people in the building in a safe manner.

"My message to patients is do not arrive early to your appointment."

One month on since the launch, Dr Bubb said the centre has already reached a milestone and has contacted all of the over 70s from its network, with 95 per cent of patients agreeing to take the vaccine.

"It's been a collective effort from staff at the practice, local businesses which have supplied cakes, drink and flowers," said Dr Bubb.

"A big thank you to the volunteers too."

The GP has been contacting patients from the following GP services: Cerne Abbas Surgery, Fordington Surgery, Milton Abbas Surgery, Portesham Surgery (Malthouse Meadows Surgery), Poundbury Doctors Surgery (Cornwall Road), Prince of Wales Surgery, Puddletown Surgery, and Queens Avenue Surgery.

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