Council staff thanked for vaccination programme support in Colchester
This week marked one year since the first coronavirus lockdown was announced
Staff from Colchester Borough Council, who were redeployed to support the vaccination programme, are starting to return to their normal positions.
Now, a year on, Greatest Hits Radio Essex caught up with council worker Pippa Pickles about how her role has changed during the past year.
Staff members from Colchester Borough Council were redeployed, to provide non-clinical support to the NHS helping with running the vaccination centre at the JobServe Community Stadium since it launched on 2 February.
The team from the museum service led the council's support for the vaccination centre, alongside volunteers and staff from Leisure World, St. Helena’s Hospice, the local fire service, Essex County Council and many other local and NHS volunteers.
They had to take on roles as marshals, administrators, car park attendees and helped to support residents after their vaccination.
But, they are now set to return to their normal roles to start preparing for the reopening of closed council services after 31 March.
Pippa Pickles, Colchester Museums Manager, said:
"The pride that's been among all the team working there has been extraordinary, it's been a real privilege. We've been incredibly proud, there's been a core team from Colchester and Ipswich Museums service helping out there everyday, seven days a week since it opened.
"It's been a real team effort."
Dr Ed Garratt, executive lead, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, said:
"Colchester Borough Council have been a brilliant partner to the NHS during the pandemic and I can’t thank their staff enough for their support.
"Working alongside other volunteers, partners and NHS staff, the council’s input has been vital to ensure the smooth delivery of the vaccination programme."