A GENERAL practice nurse leader from Newton Abbot has praised her ‘inspirational’ colleagues for their key role in the local Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Hundreds of general practice nurses are administering the vaccines locally alongside GPs and pharmacists.
Some recently retired practice nurses have also come back to help.
Joyce Pickering, Nurse Medical Secretary at Devon Local Medical Committee, which represents general practice, said: ‘These nurses are at the forefront of the local and national Covid-19 vaccination programme.
‘They are among the largest and most experienced groups of vaccinators in the country, working with GPs and other healthcare professionals as part of the general practice team.
‘They have a track record as specialists in delivering successful vaccine programmes, including annual influenza and childhood vaccinations.
‘General practice nurses are at the heart of the community – they know their patients and have their trust.’
Mrs Pickering, a Nurse Partner and Nurse Manager at Cricketfield Surgery in Newton Abbot, said: ‘The Covid-19 vaccination programme shows general practice at its finest – taking complex, changing and varied situations and delivering consistently for our local communities.
‘It is great to see that around 75 per cent of Covid-19 vaccinations have been delivered via general practice by general practice nurses, GPs and other health professionals – many of whom are working long shifts as well as their role in the surgery.
‘Throughout the Covid-19 vaccination programme these nurses continue to provide a wide range of services to patients including childhood vaccinations, cervical screening and managing long-term conditions.
‘It has been inspiring to see how practice nurses have learned how to use new technology and adapt to new ways of working.’
Jackie Feller, a General Practice Nurse at Ide Lane Surgery, Exeter, said: ‘My colleagues have all stepped up to mark.’
Julie Frost, Lead Practice Nurse at Catherine House Surgery, Totnes, said: ‘Staff have enjoyed working collaboratively and it’s always a great atmosphere – even though the days are busy and long.’