DORSET’S largest vaccination facility at the Bournemouth International Centre is to close its doors for good next week.
The centre, hosted in the Purbeck Hall of the BIC and run by Dorset HealthCare, has given more than 124,000 vaccinations since it opened in January, but will close for goof on Wednesday September 15.
Around 600 staff at the centre have been supported by more than 1,000 Community Action Network volunteers to offer both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to people of all ages, starting with the over-80s and working through to the most recent group of 16- and 17-year-olds.
Covid Services Manager for Dorset HealthCare Anna Chainey said: “I’m so proud of the team that’s been delivering this fantastic service – everyone has worked so well together, learning from experience and constantly improving.
“We’ve listened to feedback from patients and done all we can to make them feel comfortable and confident while they’re with us.
“We’ll be sad to leave the BIC as it’s been a great venue for us, but we look forward to the next phase of the programme.”
Around 98 per cent of those who have responded to a survey about having their vaccination at the centre say they had a positive experience.
A new vaccination centre is now being created in the currently unused Meyrick Ward at Dorset HealthCare’s King’s Park site in Boscombe and is due to open later this month.
This will work hand-in-hand with GPs and community pharmacies to provide a range of options for vaccinations over the coming months.
Dr Andy Rutland, local GP and clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Dorset, said: “As a health and care system we’ve worked really well together to offer vaccinations at locations that suit local people, giving them the opportunity to choose the one that best suits them, and we’ll continue to do this.
“We would encourage everyone who is eligible to grab their jab – it’s not too late to book for your first or second dose and there will be more information soon about the autumn/winter booster arrangements.”
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