Salisbury Cathedral hosts Covid-19 vaccination service
The 800 year old building is being used as a venue for invited residents to get their jab
Last updated 16th Jan 2021
It's one of the most unusual venues in the country to be used to administer the Covid-19 jabs.
Patients from five local GP surgeries, Salisbury Medical Practice, Harcourt Medical Practice, Three Chequers Medical Practice, Downton Surgery and Whiteparish Surgery will be getting their jab over a number of sessions with the first today.
Inline with government guidance the over 80s are being prioritised.
Dr Dan Henderson Co-Clinical Director for Sarum South Primary Care Network said:
"It's great to be further expanding the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wiltshire. Today marks another step towards getting our lives back to normal. I understand that people are keen to get their jabs but please don't call your Doctor or the hospital asking about when you will get an appointment, we are following the priority order set out by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the NHS will be in touch when it is your turn to be vaccinated. The huge vaccine programme is a marathon not a sprint but we will get to everyone."
RELIEF
Paul Jackson's 90 year old father, David, from Laverstock, was one of those to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
"I'm really pleased that my father is at last able to get his first dose of the vaccine. It's been a really worrying year for him and the rest of the family. We're all looking forward to being able to get back to normal."
PROUD TO BE INVOLVED
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
"We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times. The staff of our local NHS and their patients will receive a warm welcome to their Cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer."
In a touching gesture a programme of music will be provided on the famous 19th Century Father Willis organ by the Cathedral's Director of Music, David Halls and Assistant Director, John Challenger.
Other Cathedral staff will act as marshals to help those attending.
PLEA FOR ONLY INVITED PATIENTS TO ATTEND
Only patients that have been invited by the NHS should attend and are asked to only arrive 5 minutes before their appointment time.
Patients not invited should wait to be contacted by the NHS.
Parking at the site will be free for those attending too and golf buggies are being used to transport those with walking difficulties to the building.
The Cathedral is the third community venue to be used locally, with elderly residents already receiving vaccinations at Michael Herbert Hall in Wilton and Tidworth Leisure Centre.
Salisbury District Hospital has also been vaccinating staff and elderly residents too.