Gillingham Medical Practice pulled out all the stops to complete more than 3,000 flu jabs – despite restrictions.
The practice realised it would be an impossible task to see all those patients on the premises in five days. Instead, the flu jabs were conducted at The Olive Bowl. Some 3,216 flu jabs and 455 pneumococcal vaccinations were given over the five days – nearly as many as in the whole of the 2019-20 season.
The proportion of missed appointments was also much less than five per cent – far better than in previous years. The practice team were helped by over 50 volunteers who assisted with traffic marshalling and ensured patients social distanced. The volunteer team comprised of members of Gillingham Rotary Club, Gillingham Marshalls, GMS Lions, patients, Health Champions and numerous individuals, who the practice says were ‘all very keen to help with a smile on their face – even on the wet and windy days!’
“The volunteers were absolutely amazing, and we couldn’t have managed without them,” said practice manager Katie Pearce.
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I (age 65 with asthma) received a letter at 11.16 by post on the Saturday the flu vaccinations were being carried out to attend the flu vaccination being conducted at the Olive Bowl that day. Not having an online password I needed to ring the surgery for an appointment but the surgery was closed. My partner (68 with medical condition) never did get an invite. Last year I was unable to get a flu jab as they had run out of vaccination. I have been very unimpressed with the way Gillingham medical practice have organised the vaccinations unlike Shaftesbury which was far more on the on the ball earlier on.