Last vaccines administered at Salisbury Cathedral
NHS team moving to different location
Last updated 3rd May 2021
The last Covid-19 vaccines to be administered at Salisbury Cathedral took place on Saturday (1st May).
As the historic building gears up for a possible reopening later this month it's said goodbye to the Sarum South Primary Care Network vaccination team and their volunteers.
A staggering 35,000 people from five local GP surgeries have received their vaccine in total at the Cathedral since it opened as a vaccination hub on the 15th of January.
The final jab was given to 58 year old Gerard Henderson.
FAREWELL CEREMONY
A special farewell ceremony was held after the final session on Saturday, with each participating medical practice receiving a print of the Patrick Blower cartoon featuring the Cathedral as a vaccine centre.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
"We will be sad to see the NHS team go. Their distinctive blue cubicles, vaccinators and volunteers have become a familiar sight in and around the Cathedral, along with the thousands of patients turning up for their jabs. Their story is and will remain part of our story forever."
Meanwhile the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam said it was a "privilege" to witness the vaccination roll out.
As the NHS team left the Cathedral for the final time the Bishop, Dean, Canon Treasurer, Canon Chancellor and Canon Precentor formed a guard of honour to applaud them.
GRATEFUL
Dr Michele Giorgi Joint Clinical Director Sarum South PCN said:
"We would like to thank the Cathedral for being amazing hosts for this exceptional programme, the staff and volunteers could not have done more to help the vaccination teams protect our population from COVID-19. It has been a truly memorable experience for all involved."
NEW VACCINE HUB
The NHS team aren't going far.
Jabs will now be undertaken at Leaden Hall in the Cathedral Close, a building normally used by the Cathedral's education team.