| Issue – 2 – 11th January 2021 |
| The Simpson Centre and Penn Surgeries began administering the first COVID-19 vaccination to our patients last week. Due to constraints around the preparation and storage of the vaccine we are unable to give this vaccine at the surgery or any site in Beaconsfield and are working alongside neighbouring practices to give vaccinations at Adams Park Football Stadium in High Wycombe, Hillbottom Road, HP12 4HJ. This centre is staffed by our own nurses, GPs, Paramedics and administrative staff and those from other practices in our Primary Care Network (ARC PCN). We are prioritising vaccinations strictly in accordance with the tier system provided by the government which is based on age (recognising that this is one of the most significant risk factors for serious complications from the disease). We are not making exceptions to this this and will contact patients in cohorts based on their age. So far that has only extended to our patients in their 90s and late 80s. We understand that some of you are unable to get to Adams Park and we will be making alternative arrangements for you. We recognise that many of you are worried and want your vaccination as soon as possible and are working very hard in collaboration with our neighbouring practices to achieve this. We are limited however by the delivery of vaccines and to date have only been allocated 200 vaccines for our patients. Our efforts are further hampered by the fact that we get very little notice (typically only two to three days) of when we will receive our next delivery. To complicate matters further, we understand that letters were sent out by the NHS over the last few days inviting people aged 80 and over (including those who have already had their first vaccine) to use the national booking system and attend a larger vaccination site slightly further afield (including sites in Epsom, Stevenage and the Excel Centre in London). This is part of the government’s effort to accelerate the vaccination program and while those who have received the letter can choose to book through the national booking system if they wish, please be reassured that it is our intention that all patients over the age of 80 will be offered a vaccination appointment locally through their GP Practice by the end of January. You will be contacted by the surgery to make an appointment for vaccination by text or by telephone. Please do not contact the surgery, we will contact you when we can offer you an appointment. An information leaflet will be provided when we book your appointment and we will discuss the vaccine with you when you attend for the appointment. There is further information available from the gov uk website. www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccine There may be reduced availability for routine appointments or check-ups over the next few weeks as we roll out this vital vaccination programme. We continue to be available as normal for urgent appointments. You have an important part to play in helping us to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to as many people in the priority groups as possible and as quickly as possible. – Please do not contact us to seek a vaccine. We will contact you. – When we do contact you please attend your booked appointment unless you are unwell. – Please continue to follow government guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. – Please consider using alternative sources for advice if your problem is not urgent such as your local pharmacist or the NHS Website. We thank you all for your support at this time Matthew Robinson G.P. Partner The Simpson Centre 70 Gregories Road Beaconsfield HP9 1PS Tel: 01494 671 571 |
