Newport's housebound priority patients to receive their vaccinations from tomorrow
Newport's most vulnerable housebound residents will be receiving coronavirus vaccinations at home from Thursday.
Dr Stefan Waldendorf, clinical director of the area's Primary Care Network (PCN), confirmed that patients who are deemed housebound by their GPs can be vaccinated by a "roving team".
It follows a dedicated vaccination hub opening up at the Combat Stress veterans' respite centre at Audley Court.
Dr Waldendorf from the Newport/Central PCN (which includes Linden Hall Surgery and Wellington Road Surgery in the town, as well as Donnington Medical Practice and Shawbirch Medical Centre) said the travelling vaccination team would be "pragmatic" – if someone in a vulnerable group is set to be vaccinated and another member of their household lower down the priority list could also receive the vaccine this could be arranged.
He said the progress made already at Audley Court has been "fantastic" and feedback from patients and staff has been positive.
“In Newport/Central PCN the vaccination roll-out has got off to a really strong start at the local vaccination centre at Audley Court," he said.
"We have been busy vaccinating the top four priority groups and, from Thursday, this will also include housebound patients who are eligible as recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who are registered at Donnington Medical Practice, Shawbirch Medical Centre, Linden Hall Surgery and Wellington Road Surgery.”
Organisation
A resident is deemed to be housebound when they are unable to leave their home environment through physical and/or psychological illness. Those who are housebound will have been identified by their registered GP.
A number of local councillors in their 60s and above have received their vaccinations, and were full of praise for the Newport hub and how it is being run.
Borough councillor Eric Carter said his wife Jackie got her jab at Audley Court and was impressed.
"I've spoken to quite a few people and I've not heard one person say that it's not been done well.
"There are people who are more at risk or infirm, and any help that can be given to people who are housebound is a good thing.
Mayor Peter Scott had his vaccination today. He said: "I was really impressed with the slickness – very well-organised and friendly.
Patients expecting vaccinations should not contact surgeries themselves, as text messages will be sent out when the time is right. If surgeries have patients' contact numbers, there is no need to get in touch directly.
