'Centres like this will help life get back to normal'

Up to 2,500 Covid jabs could now be given out at the new large vaccination centre at Westpoint, which opened this morning.

The new Westpoint large vaccination centre opened this morning
Author: Andrew KayPublished 26th Jan 2021
Last updated 26th Jan 2021

It was created help with help from volunteers at Network Rail and Exeter chiefs rugby.

A second large vaccination site also opened today in Plymouth.

Darryn Allcorn, Lead Chief Nurse for Devon and Chief Nurse at Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Every time someone in Devon is vaccinated, it brings us a small step closer to the end of the pandemic.

"These two new sites will deliver thousands of vaccinations each week, initially bringing reassurance, safety and peace of mind for those receiving the jab, and in time, when restrictions are lifted, the confidence and safety to get back to normal life.

“Well done and thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make these sites happen in such a short space of time.”

Westpoint Exeter will be managed by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the city’s Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Suzanne Tracey, Chief Executive of the RD&E and Northern Devon Healthcare Trust said: “Hundreds of people from different sectors have worked tirelessly to bring this centre together at a remarkable speed, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for helping us to protect our communities against Covid-19.

“If you are invited to attend an appointment here, I can reassure you that measures are in place to keep everyone safe, and our brilliant staff and volunteers will look after you while you’re with us.

“Although there is light at the end of the tunnel, cases of Covid-19 in the community remain high, and so it’s really important that we continue to observe the national lockdown, staying at home unless for work, exercise or essential activities.”

Richard Maunder, Chief Executive at Westpoint Exeter, said: “Westpoint, Exeter, with its easy access and parking, is perfectly located to be used as a mass vaccination centre.

"The Devon County Agricultural Association is delighted to be supporting the national effort whilst also helping our local community.”

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s director of Safety taskforce, said: “It was immensely rewarding to have helped build the Nightingale Hospital in Exeter last year and to see so many colleagues pull together again in a similar fashion speaks volumes of the selfless individuals who have contributed their time to get this vaccination facility up and running.”

Aron Struminski, Community Development Manager for the Exeter Chiefs, said: "As a club we know how much we rely on our local community for support. Now, when the community needs us to step up, we want to help give back a little ourselves and that is why we are delighted that a number of our staff at Sandy Park have stepped up to volunteer at the new Exeter vaccination centre.

"These are incredibly tough times for all of us, but the roll out of the vaccination is a huge step in the right direction and we are determined to do our bit in helping combat this pandemic.”

For more about the vaccination roll out in Devon click here to visit Devon Clinical Commissioning Group's official page