Newport gives back to selfless vaccination staff

Newport's coronavirus vaccination hub at Audley Court has been up and running since last Thursday, thanks to the work of the Newport Central Primary Care Network.

The network includes Newport's Linden Hall and Wellington Road surgeries, as well as the medical centres in Donnington and Shawbirch.

Newport Food Save & Share has offered to make weekly donations of food treats to the network's staff.

Newport mayor Peter Scott said members of the public have been asking how they can thank the vaccinators over the next few busy weeks of work.

He said: "A lot of people have said they would like to donate something to thank the local NHS for their work on the vaccinations. I have been chatting to Audley Court about donations.

"I have set up a JustGiving page if anyone wants to donate to the four surgeries involved. If you want to donate cash please drop it in to The Guildhall in an envelope marked Audley Court, or you can pass it to me if and when you see me.

"The cash will be used to provide drinks, treats and snacks to the vaccination staff and volunteers and the surgery staff. They will be working for many weeks to come so this will be well appreciated.

"It is our way of saying 'thank you'. We also hope to pay for some lunches and some takeaways for the vaccinators. The JustGiving funds will go to the surgeries involved to do as they please – maybe a good night out once this is all over."

See the JustGiving page, which has already raised more than £400, at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/peter-scott-2.

The description says: "The local primary care network consists of 4 surgeries in Newport, Donnington and Shawbirch. The staff and volunteers are organising and providing free Covid vaccinations to the area over quite a long period.

"This fund will be shared between the surgeries as a 'thank you' from grateful residents. The money will be used as the surgery sees fit, either as a charitable donation or to treat the staff and volunteers."