4,000 NHS heroes at Sunderland and South Tyneside Trust have had their first Covid-19 jab

Hospital staff have expressed their relief after getting their first coronavirus vaccination as they look towards overcoming a challenging year.
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South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has hit a milestone in its campaign, with around 4,000 members of its staff now given their initial immunisation.

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Kath Griffin, director of human resources and organisational development at the trust, said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made so far in vaccinating our frontline staff against Covid-19.

Ayesha Marshall gives doctor Joseph Battle his Covid-19 vaccine at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.Ayesha Marshall gives doctor Joseph Battle his Covid-19 vaccine at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
Ayesha Marshall gives doctor Joseph Battle his Covid-19 vaccine at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

“The uptake of the vaccine has been fantastic so far and we have managed to vaccinate around 4,000 members of staff, either through our hospital clinics or via our local GP hubs.

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“Our staff are excited to be getting the vaccination, which is providing some much needed light at end of what has been a very challenging year for them.

“It’s also providing them with a lot of reassurance of having that first line of defence against Covid-19.

Pam Bainbridge, specialist nurse treats Trudy Marshall, a podiatry foot screener,  while Susan Leonard, a senior nurse in patient safety, gives medical student Molly Whale her jab.Pam Bainbridge, specialist nurse treats Trudy Marshall, a podiatry foot screener,  while Susan Leonard, a senior nurse in patient safety, gives medical student Molly Whale her jab.
Pam Bainbridge, specialist nurse treats Trudy Marshall, a podiatry foot screener, while Susan Leonard, a senior nurse in patient safety, gives medical student Molly Whale her jab.
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“Vulnerable staff and those who were shielding have been prioritised as an initial priority group, along with patient-facing frontline workers.

"As we receive further supplies of the vaccine we will ensure that all staff who wish to be vaccinated will have the chance to do so.

“This has been a huge undertaking for the trust to be able to start our vaccination programme, it really has been a team effort and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to getting this set up so quickly.”

Carol Cook, a library assistant, and Catherine Fisher, head of library service, have volunteered to man the vaccine check-in for the trust at its clinic in Sunderland.Carol Cook, a library assistant, and Catherine Fisher, head of library service, have volunteered to man the vaccine check-in for the trust at its clinic in Sunderland.
Carol Cook, a library assistant, and Catherine Fisher, head of library service, have volunteered to man the vaccine check-in for the trust at its clinic in Sunderland.

Among those to go through the clinic so far is Joseph Battle, a doctor with the trust, who said: “I am ecstatic about getting this vaccine, feeling brilliant and can’t wait for my second one.”

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Karen Browell, a healthcare assistant, said: “I had my immunisation today, am so pleased it’s done and looking forward to the next one.”

Tracy Wood, a lower endoscopist nurse practitioner, said: “I’ve just had my Covid jab, I feel absolutely delighted that I’ve had it and very privileged and thankful and am looking forward to the second jab.”

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