A North Hykeham care home is leading the way in the battle against covid-19
Nearly 60 members of staff at Beckside have had the vaccine so far.
Last updated 11th Dec 2020
Nearly 60 members of staff at Beckside care home in North Hykeham have had their first covid-19 vaccination at Lincoln County hospital.
Andrea Brooks, the care home manager had the jab on the very first day it was rolled out, she said:
"It was exciting, yes there was some anxiety and nerves around it, but ultimately it was exciting.
We are all frightened, we are all aware of the unknown, but none of us knew what was happening to us at the beginning of the year, this pandemic has took everybody by surprise."
The care home is part of The Order of St John Care Trust, which has several homes across Lincolnshire.
Andrea says getting the vaccine means the people they care for will be able to see and touch loved ones again:
"It will make such a difference to the way we move forward following on from this pandemic, being able to be with your families, love you families, and cherish every moment with them.
Just to be able to touch and love and cuddle their loved ones that they haven't seen for such a long period of time."
Andrea had her vaccine on 8th December, the first day the vaccine became available, alongside 35 other members of staff, now nearly 60 have had their first dose of the vaccine (11th December).
She said it was an easy process:
"The front line workers distributing the vaccine were very good, they supported you and spoke you through the process.
When we got there we had a consent form to fill in, then we went to the next person, who went through the form with us and asked us any questions that we wanted to asked, discussed the vaccine and the side effects.
I then went to the nurse who delivered my vaccine, which was simple and easy, they made me feel comfortable.
Once it was done, they gave me a sheet with a code on with was documented, and then we got tea and biscuits! It was a very relaxed atmosphere!"
Caroline Dunagan, OSJCT Regional Director for Lincolnshire, said:
“Throughout the pandemic The Orders of St John Care Trust has taken a leading role in tackling this unprecedented challenge. We have taken part in pilot COVID-19 testing programmes and are now a key participant in the Vivaldi 2 study which seeks to determine how our antibodies react to the virus over time.
Vaccination presents the best way forward to return to normality in our homes and we will continue to support all residents and colleagues in getting access to it.”